resignation

noun

res·​ig·​na·​tion ˌre-zig-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce resignation (audio)
Synonyms of resignation
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 42-year-old’s running mate, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue, posted a statement on social media on Sunday, calling for Oliver’s resignation. — Mackenzie Chase, The Washington Examiner, 18 Oct. 2026 The violence escalated after high school and university students joined a broader anti-government movement calling for Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 Past popes have written letters of resignation in case of a severe illness or medical emergency that impedes them from carrying out their duties. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 But the board decided that Niinami’s resignation was necessary, and elevated Torii from his role as president, which he’d assumed just a few months earlier. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resignation

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of resignation was in the 14th century

Rhymes for resignation

See All Rhymes for resignation

Browse Nearby Words

resignatary
resignation
resignation bond
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Resignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resignation. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

resignation

noun
res·​ig·​na·​tion ˌrez-ig-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce resignation (audio)
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

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