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

Around 5,000 customers have canceled plans for the upcoming year because of concerns about affordability, according to Your Health Idaho, and the marketplace anticipates more cancellations in the coming months. —Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 17 Dec. 2025

Tensions simmered until this past July, when Jane’s Addiction filed a bombshell suit against Farrell for $10 million, claiming that the group lost that amount due to the tour’s cancellation and the suspension of band activities. —Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 17 Dec. 2025

The suit alleged that the group lost over $10 million as a result of the tour’s cancellation and cessation of all band activities. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2025

Meanwhile, Airbnb has also taken care to finally bring its pricing and cancellation policies in line with more traditional competitors. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 17 Dec. 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)