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

To avoid delays and cancellations, Black said the airline will operate with backup aircraft at the ready. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Dec. 2025

Best Earbuds Deals at Amazon Beats Studio Buds arrive with active noise cancellation, big bass balanced by crisp highs, and one-touch pairing for Android and iOS, streamlining setup from the start, all at a 34% discount. —PC Magazine, 3 Dec. 2025

Online, attorneys around the country reported similar cancellations. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Dec. 2025

But even with that move, delays and cancellations ended up being higher than expected in the days before the shutdown ended. —Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 3 Dec. 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)