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 Word Forms

• nonresignation noun
• proresignation 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

A protest in June calling for the resignation of the commission's top officials was attacked by masked, machete-wielding men, leading to concerns about freedom of expression in the run-up to the election.

From BBC

This scandal, following so soon after Angela Rayner's resignation, has encouraged some Labour MPs to become more vocal in their criticism of the prime minister.

From BBC

But in January 2014, he stood outside the department’s Monterey Park headquarters, fighting emotion as he announced his resignation.

From Los Angeles Times

“At that point, we started getting staff resignations.”

From Los Angeles Times

In a separate interview with BBC Radio 4's Political Thinking with Nick Robinson, Reed said he was "very close" to Rayner and her resignation was "very painful".

From BBC

Related Words

• departure 
• retirement 
• surrender 
• termination 
• withdrawal 

When To Use

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.