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

New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport is up to nearly 900 flight cancellations, so far. —January 25, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026

When a subscription appears on a regular bill, sign-up friction tends to fall and cancellation resistance tends to rise. —Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026

As an arctic blast from Winter Storm Fern prompts Texas school cancellations, other institutions and services may follow. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 24 Jan. 2026

American Airlines has borne the brunt of the disruptions on Saturday, with 822 flight cancellations and 30 delays, according to FlightAware. —Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026

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)