abdication

noun
UK: /ˌæbdɪˈkeɪʃən/
US: /ˌæbdɪˈkeɪʃən/

  1. The act of giving up a position of power or responsibility.

    1. His abdication was a surprise to everyone who knew him. [ ] [ ]
    2. The king's abdication led to a period of political instability in the country. [ ] [ ]

  2. Failure to fulfill a responsibility or duty.

    1. The manager's abdication of duty caused serious problems for the team. [ ] [ ]
    2. Her abdication of parental responsibilities had long-lasting effects on her children. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

resignation renunciation waiver retirement surrender cession
abdication intransitive-verb

  1. To formally give up a high office or position of power.

    1. The king chose to abdicate the throne. [ ] [ ]
    2. He decided to abdicate his position after years of service. [ ] [ ]
abdication transitive-verb

  1. To renounce or relinquish a right, responsibility, or claim.

    1. She felt he was trying to abdicate his responsibilities as a father. [ ] [ ]
    2. The company cannot abdicate its commitment to environmental protection. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "abdication" in English means: The act of giving up a position of power or responsibility., Failure to fulfill a responsibility or duty..

The phonetic transcription of "abdication" is /ˌæbdɪˈkeɪʃən/ in British English and /ˌæbdɪˈkeɪʃən/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "abdication": resignation, renunciation, waiver, retirement, surrender, cession.

Example usage of "abdication": "His abdication was a surprise to everyone who knew him.". More examples on the page.