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

—often used before another noun

got a cancellation ticket/slot

3

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

Synonyms of cancellation

• repeal
• abandonment
• revocation
• abolition
• rescission

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

Built into the contracts with Google and Anthropic is a 90-day cancellation provision that gives SpaceX the ability to reclaim its compute if Grok’s needs suddenly increase. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 19 July 2026

The downpours contributed to flight delays and cancellations at LaGuardia, Kennedy and Newark airports on the eve of the World Cup final match in New Jersey on Sunday. — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

However, as weather officials expect wildfire smoke to leave northern Illinois sometime Friday afternoon, organizers of evening outdoor events were holding their breath on cancellations. — Doug George, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Swan said in June that FIFA’s cancellations were a major driver for why the local hotel industry was facing a room reservation shortfall during the biggest sporting event in the world. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

see cancel entry 1

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cancellation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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)