What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
resign
Example
After years of working at the company, John decided to resign from his position. [resign: verb]
Example
The coach had to resign from his position after the team's poor performance. [resign: verb]
retire
Example
My grandfather retired from his job as a teacher last year. [retired: past tense]
Example
After years of hard work, she finally decided to retire and enjoy her retirement. [retire: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Retire is more commonly used than resign in everyday language, especially in the context of leaving a job or profession. Resign is less common and is typically used in specific situations such as leaving a position or giving up a responsibility.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between resign and retire?
Both resign and retire can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, resign can be associated with a more formal tone when used in the context of leaving a job or position.
