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

• 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

Resignation can also work for the most senior members of the military who can retire after 20 years of service.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025

Even the so-called Great Resignation External link, where a record number of U.S. workers quit their jobs in 2021 and 2022, didn’t result in Americans taking on higher-quality roles on a sustained basis.

From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025

Resignation is the most common reason for departure in recent Congresses.

From Salon • Aug. 22, 2025

Prime Minister's Resignation Honours can also be awarded when a prime minister steps down.

From BBC • Jun. 16, 2023

Resignation crossed her face; it was not so much an expression as something that appeared to emanate from her pores.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen

Related Words

• departure
• retirement
• surrender
• termination
• withdrawal