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

In the event of cancellation, Sponsor reserves the right to award prizes from among all eligible, non-suspect entries received prior to the event requiring such cancellation. —CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025

Earlier this month, a group of nonprofits and solar installers filed a similar lawsuit over the program’s cancellation. —Evan Bush, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2025

The shutdown has disrupted routine operations and left some airports scrambling with flight delays and cancellations. —Minnesota Public Radio News, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025

The region has seen the deployment of the National Guard and Marines, the cancellation of public events and a visible chilling effect on the use of local businesses and services. —Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 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)