cancellation

noun

can·​cel·​la·​tion ˌkan(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən 

variants or less commonly cancelation

1

: the act or an instance of canceling

The cancellation of the game was due to bad weather.

2

: something (such as a hotel room or a ticket) made available by the canceling of an arrangement

was lucky to get a cancellation for the trip to Chicago

3

: a mark made to cancel something (such as a postage stamp)

Synonyms

• abandonment
• abortion
• calling
• calling off
• dropping
• recall
• recision
• repeal
• rescission
• revocation

Examples of cancellation in a Sentence

The storm caused delays and flight cancellations.

Notice of cancellation should be given 30 days in advance.

There is a fee for cancellation.

Cancellations increased when rates doubled.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Playhouse’s cancellations are among many throughout L.A.’s live performance scene. —Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025

The premiere’s cancellation appears to be the first major New York City event no longer taking place because of the L.A. fires. —Marc Malkin, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025

Additional cancellations include the American Cinematheque crafts tribute set for Thursday, Friday’s AFI Awards luncheon and BAFTA’s Saturday tea party. —Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Jan. 2025

But borrowers should move forward with the assumption that mass student debt cancellation — initiatives that would immediately wipe out the debt for millions of people all at once — is not happening. —Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see cancel entry 1

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

cancellation

noun

can·​cel·​la·​tion ˌkan(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: an act of canceling

2

: a mark made to cancel something

Legal Definition

cancellation

noun

can·​cel·​la·​tion

variants also cancelation

1

: the act or an instance of cancelling

2

: a mark made to cancel something (as a check)