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

While some travelers choose to fly on Thanksgiving Day for lower prices and crowds, most leave at least a day early to avoid the risk of cancellations or delays upending their holiday plans. —Eve Chen, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025

Apple says the AirPods Pro 3 can last up to eight hours on a charge with noise cancellation, up from six for the AirPods Pro 2. —PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025

Despite the high-profile cancellations of dozens of projects globally over the past year, low-carbon hydrogen production is still growing steadily, according to new industry data. —Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2025

The department also said Uber and its drivers impose impermissible surcharges by charging cleaning fees for service animals and cancellation fees to riders who are denied service. —Reuters, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 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)