noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
Formal or military context: admitting defeat and ceasing resistance. Often used in war, competition, or argument.
敵軍が降参した。
The enemy army surrendered.
彼は議論に負けて降参し
He lost the argument and gave in.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
giving up; throwing in the towel
Casual or figurative use: admitting you cannot handle a problem, task, or situation. Often used with する.
このパズルは難しすぎて降参だ。
This puzzle is too hard; I give up.
彼は宿題がわからなくて降参した。
He couldn't figure out the homework and gave up.