Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

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

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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”; resign ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They were backed by Los Angeles advocacy group Consumer Watchdog and the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, which have called for Lara’s resignation.

From Los Angeles Times

A petition claiming he cannot "fully support" his constituency and demanding his resignation has attracted more than 2,000 signatures.

From BBC

But Ron Winch, Associate Professor in Policing at Birmingham City University, said he did not think there should be resignations.

From BBC

Miran, himself on leave from a role as a White House economic adviser, was raised to the Fed in September to fill the final months of a term left vacant by another governor’s resignation.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company faced delisting concerns, auditor resignations, and an adverse opinion on internal controls over financial reporting.

From Barron's