A variable resistor element comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and a variable resistor positioned between the first and second electrodes, and changing in electric resistance when a voltage pulse is applied between the both electrodes, has posed problems that it has a restriction of having to use noble metal electrodes as an electrode material and is not compatible with a conventional CMOS process. A variable resistor element using an oxynitride of transition metal element as a variable resistor exhibits a stable switching operation, is satisfactory in data retaining characteristics, and requires a small programming current. Since it does not necessarily require noble metal as an electrode material, it is high in compatibility with the existing CMOS process and easy to produce. It can be formed by a simple step of forming a variable resistor material into a film by oxidizing a lower electrode surface consisting of conductive nitride.