A resist composition is provided comprising a base polymer and a 2,5,8,9-tetraaza-1-phosphabicyclo[3.3.3]undecane, biguanide or phosphazene salt of an iodized aromatic group-containing N-carbonysulfonamide. The salt is effective for sensitizing and suppressing acid diffusion and prevents any film thickness loss after development. The resist composition is improved in resolution, LWR and CDU when a pattern is formed therefrom by lithography.