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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In his resignation letter sent to NSF staff Thursday and also obtained by Ars Technica, Panchanathan only hinted at the attack on the agency's research mission and budget cuts. ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2025 That followed a desperate period in which a bleak financial picture forced the resignation of CEO Anders Jensen. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025 A number of unexpected events could lead to an executive vacancy, such as a sudden resignation, health crisis or scandal. Shannon Gabriel, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 In her letter, Fam included excerpts from the April 11 resignation letter of Alec Bogdanoff, who was appointed as the chair of the Superintendent’s Oversight Committee Task Force. Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resignation

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

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Cite this Entry

“Resignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resignation. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on resignation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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