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.
Following an executive session, the council voted unanimously to appoint Paige Edmond to the Ward 3, Position 1 council seat, filling the position left vacant by the resignation of former council member Shai Idelman. — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026 Some have joined a broader anti-government movement calling for the resignation of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Protesters in the Albanian capital Tirana, who have been demanding better support for education and the prime minister’s resignation, set fire to dumpsters and threw stones and tear gas canisters. — Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 Pullin’s sudden resignation will not lead to equally sudden departures of the football coach or AD, but their respective futures will be impacted by his exit as they will both be evaluated by their old new boss. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 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 27 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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