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
• revocation
• rescission
• abortion
• termination
• recall
• repeal
• calling

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

However, independent reviews indicated costs ballooning to up to $11 billion, and MSR faces cancellation in Trump administration budget proposals for 2026. —Andrew Jones, Space.com, 8 July 2025

The teen describes the cancellation as a last resort after years of feeling dismissed. —Ashley Vega, People.com, 8 July 2025

For Jojo’s Shake Bar on Jackson Avenue, the worst months of the construction resulted in event cancellations, Assistant General Manager Dessy Turner said. —Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025

His plan has the potential to block huge numbers of student loan borrowers from cancellation. —Los Angeles Times, 7 July 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)