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

Virginia has introduced daily usage limits for minors on social platforms, while Maine now requires subscription cancellations to be as simple as signing up. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026

The move to push back the cancellations until March is designed to give officials more time to resolve the concerns of federal authorities, according to the state's Department of Motor Vehicles. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026

The plaintiffs asked the Alameda County Superior Court to pause the license cancellations. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 2 Jan. 2026

In some states, cancellation can result in fines if the vehicle is registered and uninsured. —Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 2 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)