resignation

noun

res·​ig·​na·​tion ˌre-zig-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce resignation (audio)
Synonyms of resignationnext
1
a
: an act or instance of resigning something : surrender
b
: a formal notification of resigning
2
: the quality or state of being resigned : submissiveness

Examples of resignation in a Sentence

The chairman accepted their resignations. The manager received resignations from three members of the staff. We accepted the news with resignation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The mass resignations exacerbated an already politically fraught situation for Adams, who’s up for reelection this June. — Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2025 In addition, 500 employees, including 172 NWS employees, accepted a deferred resignation and began their administrative leave the next day. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 7 Mar. 2025 The cuts come as the State Department is hemorrhaging senior staff members via voluntary resignations, and a hiring freeze means the workforce is shrinking through attrition. — arkansasonline.com, 7 Mar. 2025 The deciding factor was when four top deputy mayors announced their resignations after the Justice Department moved to dismiss Mr. Adams’s five-count federal indictment. — Jeffery C. Mays, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resignation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of resignation was in the 14th century

Rhymes for resignation

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Browse Nearby Words

resignation
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Cite this Entry

“Resignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resignation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

resignation

noun
res·​ig·​na·​tion ˌrez-ig-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce resignation (audio)
1
a
: an act of resigning
b
: a formal notice of this act
2
: the quality or the feeling of a person who is resigned

More from Merriam-Webster on resignation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for resignation

Nglish: Translation of resignation for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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