resignation

American  

[rez-ig-ney-shuhn] / ˌrɛz ɪgˈneɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of resigning.

   Synonyms:

   abdication

2. a formal statement, document, etc., stating that one gives up an office, position, etc.

   Synonyms:

   abdication

3. an accepting, unresisting attitude, state, etc.; submission; acquiescence.

   to meet one's fate with resignation.

   Synonyms:

   forbearance, compliance, patience

   Antonyms:

   recalcitrance

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resignation British  

/ ˌrɛzɪɡˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of resigning

2. a formal document stating one's intention to resign

3. a submissive unresisting attitude; passive acquiescence

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Usage

What does resignation mean? Resignation is the act of resigning—quitting one’s job or giving up one’s position. In this context, it can also refer to the formal statement or document that announces a person’s intention to resign. This sense of the word is often used with the verb tender, meaning to formally offer or present, as in I’ve tendered my resignation, effective immediately. It can also be used as a modifier, as in resignation letter. Resignation can also mean an accepting, unresisting attitude or state of submission, as in There is a sense of resignation in the room now that most of the votes are in and there doesn’t appear to be any path to victory. Example: Several senior officials have tendered their resignations, but it’s unclear whether they will be accepted.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonresignation
  noun
• proresignation
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of resignation

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin resignātiōn-, stem of resignātiō “cancellation, rescinding,” from Latin resignāt(us) “canceled” (past participle of resignāre “to open, release, cancel”; see resign) + -iō -ion

Explanation

Resignation can mean either stepping down from a job or accepting an unpleasant but inevitable situation. You could even feel resignation as you announce your resignation. Once you've announced or handed in your formal resignation to a job, organization, or political office, you're finished. You've formally quit or stepped down. If you've left the position due to budget cuts, you'll probably leave with a feeling of resignation — acknowledging that there's absolutely nothing you can do about it.

Example Sentences

In a resignation letter and in subsequent court filings, Fowler said he was concerned the circumstances exposed him to “potential civil and criminal liability.”

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026

It’s reminiscent of former Alaska federal judge Joshua Kindred’s 2024 resignation: Following revelations of conflicts of interest with the U.S.

From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026

Now, amid calls for Sir Keir Starmer's resignation, Westminster is paying more attention.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

Dipke’s first concrete demand after founding the party came in the form of a petition calling for the resignation of India’s education minister.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Their figures are bent, their faces full of grief, despair, haste, and resignation.

From "All Quiet on the Western Front: A Novel" by Erich Maria Remarque

Related Words

• departure
• retirement
• surrender
• termination
• withdrawal