Have you ever come across the words “re-sign” and “resign” and felt confused? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. These two terms might look nearly identical, but they have completely different meanings. A tiny hyphen makes all the difference between leaving a job and signing on for another term. This mix-up isn’t just about spelling—it can lead to serious misunderstandings, especially in professional settings, sports contracts, or even when writing a resignation email.
To re-sign means to sign a contract again—think of an athlete choosing to re-sign a sports contract or an employee agreeing to re-sign a work agreement. The hyphen in “re-sign” is everything; without it, you’re suddenly talking about quitting your job. On the flip side, to resign means to voluntarily leave a position or step down, often followed by submitting a resign letter or going through a resigning process.
So, when should you use resign vs re-sign? The answer lies in context, grammar, and a bit of common sense. Whether you’re planning to re-sign a contract, thinking about resigning from a job, or just want to avoid a cringe-worthy typo, this guide will clear up the difference between resign and re-sign—once and for all.
Why Re-sign and Resign Confuse So Many People
There are a few reasons why these two terms get mixed up:
- They look almost identical.
- They’re pronounced similarly.
- Their meanings are total opposites.
- Autocorrect loves to mess them up.
And because they’re both verbs commonly used in job-related or professional contexts, getting them wrong can lead to miscommunication with serious consequences.
What Does “Re-sign” Mean?
To re-sign (with a hyphen) means to sign again—usually a contract, agreement, or document that continues or renews a commitment.
Real-world uses:
- An athlete re-signs with their current team.
- An employee re-signs their annual work contract.
- A tenant re-signs a lease with their landlord.
Example Sentences:
- “Tom Brady re-signed with the Buccaneers for another season.”
- “She plans to re-sign her employment contract next month.”
What Does “Resign” Mean?
To resign (without a hyphen) means to voluntarily leave or quit a job, position, or office.
It signals a decision to step down or walk away from a role of responsibility, often in professional or political settings.
Common uses:
- A CEO resigns amid controversy.
- An employee resigns due to relocation.
- A politician resigns after a scandal.
Example Sentences:
- “He officially resigned from his position as CFO.”
- “After five years of service, she decided to resign and pursue her own business.”
Re-sign vs Resign: Key Differences That Matter
Meaning and Intent
| Word | Meaning | Action Taken |
| Re-sign | Sign again | Continue a commitment |
| Resign | Quit or leave a position | End a commitment |
If you re-sign, you’re committing again.- If you resign, you’re walking away.
Spelling Clue: That Tiny Hyphen
- The hyphen in “re-sign” tells you it’s a repeat action.
- No hyphen in “resign” = separation or departure.
Quick Tip:
If you’re trying to say “sign again,” always include the hyphen: re-sign.
Pronunciation Differences
Even though they look similar, they’re pronounced differently.
| Word | Phonetic Spelling | Stress Pattern |
| Re-sign | /ˌriːˈsaɪn/ | Emphasis on “sign” |
| Resign | /rɪˈzaɪn/ | Emphasis on “sign” (but with softer “re”) |
It’s subtle, but in spoken English, these differences matter—especially in professional speech.
Grammar Note: Part of Speech and Tense
Both “re-sign” and “resign” function as verbs, but their forms can change:
| Verb | Present | Past | Present Participle |
| Re-sign | re-sign | re-signed | re-signing |
| Resign | resign | resigned | resigning |
Examples:
- “I will re-sign tomorrow.”
- “He is resigning due to health issues.”
Synonyms and Related Terms
Synonyms for “Re-sign”
- Renew
- Recommit
- Extend
- Continue
- Sign again
Use these when talking about keeping a position or contract going.
Synonyms for “Resign”
- Quit
- Step down
- Withdraw
- Retire
- Bow out
These express leaving or giving up a position.
Be cautious when swapping words. Some synonyms aren’t legally or professionally interchangeable.
Examples in Context
Sentences Using “Re-sign”
- “She re-signed with her publisher for two more books.”
- “The coach re-signed after months of speculation.”
Sentences Using “Resign”
- “The governor resigned amid pressure from voters.”
- “He plans to resign after completing the fiscal year.”
Real-Life Scenarios Where a Hyphen Changed Everything
Case Study: Sports Contract Mix-Up
A news outlet mistakenly wrote that a quarterback resigned from the team.
But he had actually re-signed a multi-million-dollar deal.
The typo made fans think he quit—causing a wave of panic until corrected.
Case Study: Corporate Email Disaster
An executive wrote, “I’m going to resign the contract tomorrow.”
She meant re-sign, but the lack of a hyphen got passed up the chain.
Result? HR assumed she was quitting, and a tense meeting followed.
Moral of the story:
A missing hyphen can create a full-blown crisis.
Etymology: Where These Words Come From
Re-sign
- From Latin re- (“again”) + signare (“to sign”)
- Literally: to sign again
Resign
- From Latin resignare, meaning “to unseal” or “to relinquish”
- Literally: to give back, cancel, surrender
Interesting how the root meanings mirror modern usage:
- “Re-sign” = affirm again
- “Resign” = give up
Quick Comparison Table: Re-sign vs Resign
| Feature | Re-sign | Resign |
| Meaning | Sign again | Quit or step down |
| Hyphen | Yes | No |
| Use case | Contract renewals, continued roles | Job termination, exit |
| Pronunciation | /ˌriːˈsaɪn/ | /rɪˈzaɪn/ |
| Intent | Stay and recommit | Leave or abandon |
| Synonyms | Renew, continue, extend | Quit, retire, withdraw |
| Example | “She re-signed her contract.” | “She resigned from her job.” |
Memory Tricks to Never Mix Them Up Again
- Hyphen = Holding On → Re-sign
- No Hyphen = Letting Go → Resign
Easy Mnemonics:
- Re-sign: You’re signing again, like hitting the “repeat” button.
- Resign: You’re saying goodbye, like leaving the room.
Common Mistakes in Headlines and News
“Breaking: Star Player Resigns from Championship Team”
→ Panic erupts. But wait—he actually re-signed!
Other real blunders:
- Legal letters with “resign” instead of “re-sign”
- Auto-generated emails from HR using the wrong form
- Resumes where people accidentally say they “resigned” a deal
Proofread everything. That hyphen can make or break a message.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between “re-sign” and “resign”?
“Re-sign” means to sign again, usually a contract. “Resign” means to quit or step down from a job.
Can you re-sign after resigning?
Yes, but it depends on the company or contract terms. Some companies welcome returnees; others don’t.
Is “resign” always negative?
Not always. Some people resign to pursue new opportunities or for personal growth.
What’s the past tense of re-sign?
Re-signed. Example: “He re-signed last year.”
Do both words apply in legal writing?
Absolutely—and that’s why accuracy is critical. Misusing either can change the meaning of a contract or letter.
Conclusion: One Hyphen. Two Very Different Paths.
It’s amazing how a tiny hyphen can change the whole meaning of a word. Re-sign and resign may look alike, but they’re on opposite ends of the career spectrum. One says “I’m staying,” while the other shouts “I’m out!” Whether you’re drafting a resignation email, reviewing a re-sign contract, or simply trying to improve your writing, knowing the difference between re-sign and resign helps you sound more professional—and prevents awkward misunderstandings.
Next time you’re unsure whether to re-sign or resign, just remember: the hyphen keeps you in the game, while its absence takes you out. It’s all about context, clarity, and communication. And now that you know better, you’ll never make that mistake again.
Emma-Brooke is the passionate voice behind GrammerHome.com, where she simplifies English grammar for learners across the globe. With a deep love for language and years of experience in grammar instruction, Emma specializes in breaking down complex rules into clear, easy-to-understand tips.
