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

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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

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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

The authority said arrangements were being put in place to cover the gap between the resignation of Mr Stevens and the new chief executive taking up his post early next year.

From BBC

"As far as we know, the resignation has got nothing to do with admission of guilt or the organisation finding her guilty," said another party official, Magasela Mzobe.

From Barron's

Nor is resignation an escape hatch for most military officers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Last Friday, when announcing her resignation from Congress, she lamented that five major bills she sponsored had never been considered.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Ealing Central and Acton MP said "a strong chair would have prevented this scenario", adding that with Mr Banerji's resignation letter being shared: "I fear this matter is not over yet."

From BBC

Related Words

• departure
• retirement
• surrender
• termination
• withdrawal