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.
Approximately one-third of the employees the Department of Defense (DOD) will dismiss are voluntarily leaving through the deferred resignation program, a senior U.S. defense official said on Tuesday. — Liz Friden, Fox News, 19 Mar. 2025 The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, the public entity that runs the airport, launched its search in December following CEO Kevin Thibault’s resignation. — Skyler Swisher, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025 One worker declined reinstatement, one is employed in another component of the department and a third was returning to service to participate in the deferred resignation program, Homeland Security's chief human capital officer wrote. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2025 The revelations led to a separate University of California investigation and Katehi’s resignation in 2016. — Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 16 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

See All Rhymes for resignation

Browse Nearby Words

resignatary
resignation
resignation bond
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Cite this Entry

“Resignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resignation. Accessed 26 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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