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

They were just replaced with a new addition to the lineup, but this pair is still fantastic, with excellent sound quality and class-leading noise cancellation. —Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 22 May 2025

The cancellations have been cheered by Senator Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, who in February published a list identifying more than a third of the grants that have been terminated. —Aatish Bhatia, New York Times, 22 May 2025

Additionally, sign-ups, payment management, and cancellations can all be handled in a single intuitive interface. —William Jones, USA Today, 22 May 2025

To check prices, availability and cancellation policies for Park ‘N Go, visit gator.bookparkngo.com/. For Self Park FLL, visit selfparkfll.com Miami Herald staff writer Michelle Marchante contributed to this report. —Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025

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)