resignation

noun

res·​ig·​na·​tion ˌre-zig-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce resignation (audio)
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 Ray Anderson announced his resignation in mid-November, and there’s no indication ASU is close to naming a replacement. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 Why are people demanding that Mr. Henry resign? Mr. Henry has faced calls for resignation ever since he was sworn in as prime minister with the backing of the international community. Dánica Coto, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Mar. 2024 Henry faced a choice whether to detour to Puerto Rico or to one of a number of neighboring Caribbean countries whose leaders have been pushing for his resignation. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024 But last spring, leaders of local civil rights groups accused him of overseeing a City Hall rife with employment discrimination lawsuits and asked for his resignation. Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2024 Carr’s resignation comes at a contentious moment for the department, however. Journal Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2024 According to the Associated Press, aides asserted that McConnell's resignation as leader is unrelated to his health — a topic that repeatedly made headlines in the past year. Kyler Alvord, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 With coach Luciano Spalletti’s resignation, both Rudi Garcia and Walter Mazzarri were unable to reconstitute the same tactics that once suited the former Dinamo Batumi winger in 2022-23. David Ferrini, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 The next step is for Abbas to decide whether to accept the resignations and announce a new government. Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'resignation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near resignation

Cite this Entry

“Resignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resignation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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