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 Words From

• nonres·ig·nation noun
• prores·ig·nation 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

In the days since his resignation, Republicans in Congress have moved to block the release of the Gaetz report.

From Salon

Congressional sources told news outlets that the wording of his resignation statement might have been just vague enough to leave that door open.

From Salon

But his resignation triggered a drip feed of leaks in subsequent days as the ethics panel wrangled over what to do about the report.

From BBC

His resignation, announced on Thursday, paves the way for Trump to select a replacement immediately.

From Salon

Helmuth, a former member of Science’s news staff, deleted the posts and apologized, but she faced growing calls on social media for her resignation.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• departure
• retirement
• surrender
• termination
• withdrawal