What does resubmit mean?
Resubmit means to present or send something again, usually because the first attempt was incomplete, contained errors, or needed revision. It is especially common in administrative and professional contexts involving applications, forms, reports, proposals, and requests: an applicant may be asked to resubmit a form, and a researcher may resubmit a revised paper or proposal. The word implies both repetition and renewed submission for consideration, so it is more precise than simply saying “send again.” Although it can refer to sending material to a recipient a second time, its typical use involves returning a document to the same or another office, reviewer, or institution. In everyday conversation, people may say “send it again,” but resubmit sounds more formal and specifically conveys that the material is being presented once more for processing, review, or approval.
verbTo submit something again, especially an application, form, proposal, or other document that has been returned for correction or reconsideration. It can also mean to send something to the same or another recipient a second time.
- To submit again for consideration or approval, often after correcting a document or completing requested revisions.
- To send or deliver the same material to a recipient again.
"After correcting the errors, you can resubmit your application for review."
"The judge asked the applicant to resubmit the form with the missing signature."
"If the email bounces, please resubmit the materials to the address listed on the website."
Resubmit is the word for giving something a second chance—usually after someone has sent it back for changes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of resubmit
Resubmit is formed in English by combining the prefix re-, meaning “again,” with submit. Submit comes through Middle English from Latin submittere, formed from sub- “under” and mittere “to send,” reflecting the original idea of placing something under the authority or judgment of another. Related English forms include submission, subordinate, and submissive, all of which reflect the same Latin family of meanings involving sending, placing, or being subject to authority.
Related word forms
How resubmit is actually used
Common in formal and administrative contexts, especially when discussing applications, forms, reports, proposals, and other documents. It is also used more broadly for sending information again. The prefix re- indicates repetition, while submit retains its sense of presenting material for examination or approval.
Easily confused with resubmit
Submit means to present something for consideration, while resubmit means to present it again after an earlier submission.