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.
Overnight, the British market's reaction to Keir Starmer's resignation remained relatively muted. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 Harley walked into an impromptu interview to become the Huskies interim coach, and less than 48 hours later, NIU announced Hammock’s resignation and Harley’s promotion. — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Calls to step down Democratic opponents have called for resignations and more from top leaders mentioned in the report. — Liv Caputo, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 The key to the film is Sinatra’s sense of excruciating resignation. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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

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