Quit vs Resign: Clear Up the Confusion Once and For All
When you’re leaving a job, understanding the difference between quit vs resign is important. These terms get used as if they mean the same thing, but they actually carry different tones and implications in the workplace. “Quit” is an informal way to leave a job, while “resign” is the formal and professional term typically used in workplaces. Both mean leaving a position voluntarily.
While both terms describe ending your employment, they reflect different approaches, levels of professionalism, and potential impacts on your career. This article will break down these differences so you’ll know exactly when to use each term properly.
Why Is There Confusion?
The confusion between quit and resign happens because both words describe leaving a job voluntarily. They differ significantly in tone and formality. When you quit, it often suggests a sudden or informal departure, sometimes without giving notice. In contrast, when you resign, you’re taking a more formal approach that typically includes a resignation letter and proper notice period.
Many people mix these terms up in everyday conversation, which adds to the confusion about which word is right for different situations. Even HR professionals sometimes use them interchangeably, but understanding the subtle differences can help you communicate more clearly about your career moves.
The word choice matters because it affects how others perceive your professionalism. Using the wrong term in the wrong context might send unintended messages about your work ethic or respect for workplace protocols.
Summary
Quit and Resign both mean leaving a position, but they’re used differently. Quitting is more informal and often associated with sudden departures or casual exits, commonly used in personal contexts.
Resigning is formal and professional, describing a respectful departure that follows proper protocols like giving notice. While quitting suggests immediacy, resigning indicates a structured process with proper handover procedures.
While exploring workplace language, it’s interesting to note how word choices reflect tone and formality—like saying “resign” instead of “quit” to sound more professional. Similarly, understanding language nuances matters in grammar too, such as knowing that the correct plural of “chief” is “chiefs,” not “chieves.” Just as using the right term—whether in quitting a job or writing—shows clarity and professionalism.
When to Use “Quit”?
The term “quit” works best in more casual or informal situations. Here’s when you might use this word:
Informal conversations: “Quit” fits naturally in everyday talk with friends or family. For example, “I finally quit that part-time job that was stressing me out.”
Sudden departures: If someone leaves without notice or planning, “quit” captures that immediacy. “He quit on the spot after arguing with the manager.”
Beyond employment: “Quit” extends beyond jobs to habits or activities. “She quit the basketball team to focus on studies” or “I quit smoking three months ago.”
The word carries a sense of finality and personal decision. When you say someone “quit,” it suggests they made this choice independently, often quickly or emotionally. This doesn’t always have negative connotations, but it lacks the formal process implied by resignation.
“Quit” also works well for temporary positions, side gigs, or situations where formal notice isn’t expected. The casual nature of the word matches the casual nature of these arrangements.
When to Use “Resign”?
The term “resign” fits professional and formal contexts when someone voluntarily leaves their position. Consider using “resign” in these situations:
Professional settings: “Resign” suits workplace discussions and formal documentation. “After five years with the company, she resigned to pursue a new opportunity.”
When following protocols: Use “resign” when someone gives proper notice and follows company procedures. “He resigned and will stay for two weeks to train his replacement.”
Leadership or official positions: For executives, managers, or public roles, “resign” is standard. “The director resigned after completing the major project.”
Using resign signals respect for professional norms and suggests the departure was handled properly. It implies a thoughtful decision rather than an impulsive one, and suggests the person values their professional relationships enough to exit gracefully.
Is resigning the same as quitting? While both mean leaving a job voluntarily, resigning carries more professionalism and formality than quitting. The distinction matters particularly in how future employers might view your work history.
A Quick Tip:
Quit: Informal, sudden action. Examples: I quit my job yesterday. He quit smoking last year.
Resign: Formal, polite, deliberate. Examples: She resigned as manager. He gave two weeks’ notice before resigning.
“Resign” vs “Quit”: (As Verbs)
Usage of “Quit” as a Verb
The verb “quit” works in several contexts:
To Stop Doing Something “Quit” often means stopping an action or behavior. Example: She decided to quit taking those classes.
To Leave a Place or Situation It can mean leaving a job, place, or situation. Example: He quit the party early because he felt sick.
To Abandon or Give Up “Quit” also means giving up on something. Example: They quit trying after the third failed attempt.
Form and Tense The verb “quit” is irregular. Its past and past participle forms are the same as the base form. Present: I quit. Past: She quit her job last month. Past Participle: They have quit their bad habits.
Common Phrases “Quit it”: Used to tell someone to stop doing something annoying. Example: Quit it! You’re distracting me. “Quit on someone”: Means to stop supporting someone. Example: His friends didn’t quit on him during tough times.
Usage of “Resign” as a Verb
The verb “resign” typically appears in formal contexts:
To Voluntarily Leave a Position or Job “Resign” commonly describes formally giving up a job or role. Example: She resigned from her position after accepting a better offer.
To Submit to a Situation It can also mean accepting something unavoidable. Example: He resigned himself to working through the weekend.
Form and Tense The verb “resign” follows regular patterns: Present: I resign. Past: She resigned yesterday. Past Participle: They have resigned from their positions.
Common Phrases “Resign from”: Specifies what role is being left. Example: He resigned from the committee. “Resign oneself to”: Shows acceptance of something difficult. Example: She resigned herself to starting over.
“Quit” and “Resign”: (As Adjectives)
Usage of “Quit” as an Adjective
The adjective “quit” rarely appears in modern English but has specific uses:
Meaning “Free” from Obligation As an adjective, “quit” means being released from responsibility. Example: After paying the final amount, he was quit of his debt.
Used with “Of” It typically appears with “of” to show what someone is free from. Example: They are finally quit of their obligations.
Formal Usage This use is uncommon in everyday speech and appears mainly in legal or older texts.
Usage of “Resign” as an Adjective
The adjective “resigned” describes acceptance of something unpleasant:
Meaning “Accepting Without Protest” “Resigned” shows willingness to accept difficult situations. Example: He had a resigned expression when facing the consequences.
Describing Emotional State It often shows calm acceptance with a hint of disappointment. Example: She gave a resigned nod before tackling the problem.
Common Structures “Resigned to [something]”: Shows what someone has accepted. Example: They were resigned to waiting longer.
Common Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct |
| “I resigned from my job without notice.” (quit) | “I quit my job without notice.” (correct) |
| “He decided to quit his position with the company.” (resign) | “He decided to resign from his position with the company.” (correct) |
| “She resigned last week because of personal issues.” (quit) | “She quit last week because of personal issues.” (correct) |
| “I’m planning to quit my job with a formal letter.” (resign) | “I’m planning to resign from my job with a formal letter.” (correct) |
Synonyms for “Quit” and “Resign”
Synonyms for “Quit”
- Leave: To depart from
- Abandon: To give up entirely
- Stop: To end an activity
- Give up: To discontinue an effort
- Drop: To let go of something
Synonyms for “Resign”
- Step down: To leave a position of authority
- Relinquish: To voluntarily give up a role
- Surrender: To yield formally
- Vacate: To leave a position
- Bow out: To withdraw gracefully
Etymology of “Quit” and “Resign”
Etymology of “Quit”
The word “quit” comes from Old French “quite” and Latin “quietus,” meaning “calm” or “free.” It first appeared around 1200, meaning “free from obligations.” By the 1300s, it applied to property being exempt from taxes. As a verb, it originally meant “to repay a debt” but expanded to mean “leave” or “cease” by the late 14th century.
Etymology of “Resign”
“Resign” originated in the late 14th century, meaning “to relinquish or surrender” a position. It comes from Old French “resigner” and Latin “resignare,” meaning “to cancel or give up.” The Latin root reflects the idea of “marking opposite” in accounting. By the 1710s, “resign” also referred to accepting circumstances beyond one’s control.
Conclusion
Quit vs resign a job ultimately comes down to presentation and context. Both terms describe the act of leaving employment, but the choice between “resign” and “quit” conveys different levels of formality and professionalism. Understanding when to use each term helps maintain your professional reputation and communicate clearly about career changes. Your specific situation will determine whether a formal resignation or simply quitting is appropriate, but recognizing these nuances ensures you’ll leave the right impression when departing a position.
