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

When the program’s peculiar, sudden cancellation was announced, last July, the members of the show’s band, Louis Cato and the Great Big Joy Machine, were as surprised as anyone. —Mark Yarm, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

Passengers will not be reimbursed for costs incurred as a result of the flight cancellations, such as emergency hotels, unless otherwise covered by their travel insurance plans. —Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 2 May 2026

Save any documentation of Spirit’s cancellation. —Marnie Hunter, CNN Money, 2 May 2026

After numerous flight delays and cancellations caused by a pre-Christmas winter storm and below zero temperatures in Romulus, Michigan, United States on December 29, 2022. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 2 May 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)