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

The cancellation of Not Suitable for Work raises questions about the viability of series that bet on largely unknown young actors and do not follow the conventional YA romantic tropes. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026

The New York Times first reported the Monday meeting and subsequent cancellation. — Laya Neelakandan,lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026

The cancellation came 10 days after Maersk shifted two other sailings on the Northern Star service—the Seaspan Guayaquil and AS California—from Shanghai to Xiamen. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026

The ruling left her ineligible for cancellation of removal on that basis. — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 24 Aug. 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)