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.
During the council meeting this week, Pillmore deflected several attempts calling for his resignation by saying the issue wasn't on the agenda. — Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 1 July 2026 Mayor Vi Lyles announced her surprise resignation in May as the city grappled with generation-defining decisions. — Nick Sullivan july 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026 After four years of war, life in Lukianivka, the most frequently hit part of the Ukrainian capital, is a mix of adaptability and endurance, defiance and denial, resignation and resilience. — Steve Hendrix, Washington Post, 3 July 2026 That said, this didn’t stop South Korea from doing badly this year, as the team exited the tournament after the group stage, leading to the national team coach’s resignation and the country’s government intervening. — Simon Chadwick, Forbes.com, 2 July 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 10 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on resignation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for resignation

Nglish: Translation of resignation for Spanish Speakers

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