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

The reason behind the numerous cancellations of Edwards vs. Chimaev was COVID-19. —Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Aviation analytics firm Cirium said Thursday morning that the airline had called off 15 domestic flights and no international flights yet, however, more cancellations had begun trickling in throughout the coming days. —Matthew Rehbein, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025

Our plans folded into the biggest defeat: a total flight cancellation. —Denise Snodell, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2025

Now, Colbert is on his way out, too, following the cancellation of The Late Show. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 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)