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

Given the airports and highways around, significant delays and even cancellations are expected. —Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025

Amid her life with stiff-person syndrome, which she was first diagnosed with in 2022 amid the cancellation of her world tour, the 57-year-old Canadian singer shared a video address on Thursday urging her supporters to take stock of their good fortune this Thanksgiving. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Nov. 2025

With airlines still facing challenges that can lead to delays or cancellations. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025

Part of that was due to uncertainties about commercial flight cancellations because of the government shutdown, and its impact on FAA air-traffic control scheduling. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 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)