resignation

[rez-ig-ney-shuhn]

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

resignation

/ ˌrɛzɪɡˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of resigning

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

3. a submissive unresisting attitude; passive acquiescence

Other Word Forms

• nonresignation noun
• proresignation adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of resignation¹

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”; resign ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

Lecornu's shock resignation on Monday left France in renewed political turmoil, 18 months before the end of Macron's second term in office.

From BBC

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced his resignation at the start of a day of political drama on Monday, after only 26 days in the job.

From BBC

Stocks fell sharply on the Paris exchange after the news of Lecornu's resignation broke on Monday morning.

From BBC

The district’s decision to place Solomon on administrative leave arrives after a public outcry and calls for Solomon’s resignation.

From Los Angeles Times

Also on June 5, the board announced that it had accepted the resignation of Superintendent John Paramo.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• departure 
• retirement 
• surrender 
• termination 
• withdrawal 

When To Use

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.