resignation
rez-ig-NAY-shun
/ˌrɛzɪɡˈneɪʃən/
The act of giving up a job or position, or a formal document stating this.
Can also refer to an attitude of passive acceptance of something undesirable ("a sense of resignation"). Here, we focus on the employment context.
The story behind the word. "Resignation" directly follows from "resign." It entered English from Old French resignation, which itself came from the Latin resignatio, meaning "a giving up, a canceling." So, it literally refers to the act of giving up or canceling one's position.
Word relationships
- quitting: More informal.
- departure: Broader term, can be voluntary or involuntary.
- appointment: The act of being given a position.
- hiring: The act of employing someone.
Commonly confused with
- termination: 'Resignation' is voluntary, 'termination' is usually involuntary (being fired).
Word family
- resign (verb): To voluntarily leave a job or position.
Collocations
- tender one's resignation
- accept a resignation
- forced resignation
- letter of resignation
Example sentences
- "Her resignation letter was concise, thanking the company for the opportunity but stating her intention to pursue new challenges." The formal process.
- "The CEO's sudden resignation sent shockwaves through the stock market, causing shares to plummet." Public reaction.
Memory hook
A resignation is the sign that you're leaving your position. Sign of leaving.
When not to use
Don't use for being fired; use 'termination' or 'dismissal.'
Fun facts
- The phrase "tender one's resignation" is a common formal way to express the act of resigning.
Related words
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