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

Adapting to the jury’s resignation, Biennale organizers announced that Golden and Silver Lions will not be awarded at the opening of the Biennale. —News Desk, Artforum, 4 May 2026

Gone are the days when threats of resignations and a petition signed by thousands were enough to sway Mountain View’s position. —Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 4 May 2026

Many proponents expressed frustration with the school board and administration as multiyear efforts to bring Arabic language instruction to District 230 appeared to stall, culminating with the recent resignation of the only Arab American member of the school board. —Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026

Calling for the resignation of Howard Lutnick, Kash Patel and others who have lied under oath. —Kevin Fixler may 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 May 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