resignation

noun

res·​ig·​na·​tion ˌre-zig-ˈnā-shən 

1

a

: an act or instance of resigning something : surrender

The Board accepted the CEO's resignation.

b

: a formal notification of resigning

I turned in my resignation.

2

: the quality or state of being resigned : submissiveness

accepted the news with resignation

Examples of resignation in a Sentence

The chairman accepted their resignations.

The manager received resignations from three members of the staff.

We accepted the news with resignation.

Recent Examples on the Web

The revelations from the latest tranche of Epstein files led to Mandelson’s resignation from the Labour Party earlier this month, having quit the House of Lords, the upper chamber of Britain’s parliament, the same week. —Peter Wilkinson, CNN Money, 23 Feb. 2026

By the time news of Lisa’s corruption reaches Lisa, her resignation will be a fait accompli. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026

Tracking the resignations, firings and investigations The release of millions of files related to investigations into Epstein is causing shockwaves around the globe, including the arrest of a former British prince. —Camille Behnke, NBC news, 23 Feb. 2026

Attia’s resignation was agreed upon after discussions with Weiss, according to one of her associates. —Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for resignation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

resignation

noun

res·​ig·​na·​tion ˌrez-ig-ˈnā-shən 

1

a

: an act of resigning

b

: a formal notice of this act

2

: the quality or the feeling of a person who is resigned