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

It was months ago that Ruiz left Chatsworth for Birmingham after the resignation of coach Marcus Alvarado, his uncle.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard announced her resignation on Friday, ending the tenure of a long-term contrarian who appeared to be at odds with President Donald Trump over the Iran war.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

Streeting set out the policy on the BBC's Political Thinking podcast, in his first in-depth broadcast interview following his resignation as health secretary last week.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

In his resignation speech to MPs, he said it represented an "existential threat" to the future of the UK.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

Molly looks over at Terry, who is shaking her head with grim resignation.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline

Related Words

• departure
• retirement
• surrender
• termination
• withdrawal