English Reference
adjective

resigned

adj.
US /ɹiˈsaɪnd/ re·signed

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    accepting that something unpleasant is going to happen because you cannot change it.

    characterised by a state of passive or quiet acceptance of an unpleasant but inevitable situation.

    Simple

    He gave a resigned sigh when he saw the long queue at the bank.

    In context

    Faced with the inevitable closure of the factory, the workers adopted a resigned attitude, focusing on their severance packages rather than protesting the decision.

    Usage

    often followed by the preposition 'to'.

    acceptinguncomplainingpatient

Usage resigned from his post · resigned his seat

Arday, who resigned earlier this month as a professor at the University of Cambridge, was found dead at his home last week.

The Guardian· 17 Aug 2026

Jason Arday, the academic who resigned last week as a professor at the University of Cambridge , has been found dead at his home in south London.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated