abdication

American  

[ab-di-key-shuhn] / ˌæb dɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or state of abdicating; renunciation.

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Other Word Forms

• nonabdication noun

Etymology

Origin of abdication

First recorded in 1545–55, abdication is from the Latin word abdicātiōn- (stem of abdicātiō ). See abdicate, -ion

Explanation

Abdication is the formal act of stepping down from something, especially a king giving up the throne. An abdication is a type of resignation. When a king — or another person in power — gives up that position, they abdicate. Such an act is then called an abdication. The roots of this word mean declare in Latin, and that's an important part of the meaning. Abdicating isn't just quitting: it's formally quitting, including a declaration of quitting. There’s no such thing as a private abdication. After an abdication, there's a vacuum of power, and there may be a power struggle to fill the empty position.

Example Sentences

That is both a terrible abdication of responsibility and a false application of principle that serves only the interests of the wicked.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

It also alleged that the university’s “cowardly abdication of its duty to ensure unfettered access to UCLA’s educational opportunities” violated the students’ freedom of speech and other rights.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 29, 2025

Poet's Neuk said the land - at the corner of Greyfriars Garden and St Mary's Place - was gifted to the Fife town by Queen Mary prior to her abdication in 1567.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2025

Lewis said he knew that some readers would view the enforced neutrality as an "abdication of responsibility" before painting it as a return to the paper's mission.

From Salon • Oct. 25, 2024

It is the abdication from option, the act of betrayal itself.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin

Related Words

• abandonment