cancellation

American  

[kan-suh-ley-shuhn] / ˌkæn səˈleɪ ʃən /

Or cancelation

noun

1. an act of canceling.

2. the marks or perforations made in canceling.

3. something canceled, as a reservation for a hotel room, airplane ticket, allowing someone else to obtain the accommodation.

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cancellation British  

/ ˌkænsɪˈleɪʃən /

noun

1. the fact or an instance of cancelling

2. something that has been cancelled, such as a theatre ticket, esp when it is available for another person to take

   we have a cancellation in the stalls

3. the marks or perforation made by cancelling

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Other Word Forms

• recancellation noun

Etymology

Origin of cancellation

First recorded in 1525–35, cancellation is from the Latin word cancellātion- (stem of cancellātiō ). See cancellate, -ion

Example Sentences

It might seem obvious that, by having as many barriers as possible in the cancellation process, companies can count on some customers giving up and keeping their subscription.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

"A possible cancellation is one of them, but we don't know the conditions," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

The cancellation of the contracts spell a near-certain end to the dream of completing the project anytime soon, according to people familiar with the effort.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

“With the exception of Blue Basic, all JetBlue fares are flexible — meaning no change or cancellation fees for customers who want to adjust their travel plans ahead of time,” a JetBlue spokesperson told MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

He was furious about the announcement of the cancellation of many of his senior class activities.

From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals

Related Words

• abandonment
• abolition
• annulment
• dissolution
• elimination
• repeal
• retirement
• reversal
• revocation