cancellation

noun

can·​cel·​la·​tion ˌkan(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce cancellation (audio)
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)

Example Sentences

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 a report released last month, the Government Accountability Office blamed airlines for an increase in flight cancellations as travel recovered from the pandemic. David Koenig The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 27 May 2023 In some cases, extreme weather and labor issues have exacerbated the strain on airports, leading to cancellations that come with little warning and add thousands of dollars in unplanned expenses. Natalie B. Compton, Anchorage Daily News, 27 May 2023 The Department of Transportation's interactive dashboard shows what each airline owes travelers for both cancellations and delays. Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 26 May 2023 Since scrapping plans for an initial public offering, Vice Media has sought multiple suitors while undergoing a series of cost-cutting measures and layoffs capped by the cancellation of its flagship show Vice News Tonight in late April. Erik Hayden, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 May 2023 For if the program falls, the consequences could reach well beyond the fate of student debt cancellation. Ryann Liebenthal, The New Republic, 9 May 2023 But in exchange for the breathing room, the bill would pare back several spending programs, including Biden's signature student loan cancellation, and claw back billions in unspent COVID-19 funds. Eden Villalovas, Washington Examiner, 9 May 2023 Netflix has not made any announcement about the series’ renewal or cancellation and did not respond to Rolling Stone‘s request for comment. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 1 May 2023 And the spree of subscription cancellations may not end anytime soon. David Meyer, Fortune, 26 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cancellation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see cancel entry 1

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cancellation was in 1535

Dictionary Entries Near cancellation

Cite this Entry

“Cancellation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cancellation. Accessed 6 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

cancellation

noun
can·​cel·​la·​tion ˌkan(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce cancellation (audio)
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)

More from Merriam-Webster on cancellation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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