Cancel vs. Cancellation — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 22, 2024
"Cancel" is a verb meaning to annul or withdraw an arrangement, whereas "cancellation" is the noun form denoting the action of cancelling something.
Difference Between Cancel and Cancellation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Cancel" refers to the act of deciding that something already planned will not proceed. For instance, you might cancel a meeting or a subscription. On the other hand, "cancellation" is the result or instance of an action being canceled. It involves not just the act but also the implications and consequences that follow, such as receiving a refund or rescheduling.
When you use "cancel," you are performing an action. This verb is used in various contexts, such as cancelling an appointment, a service, or a transaction. Whereas "cancellation" focuses on the state or condition after the action has been taken. It often appears in formal notices, policies, and discussions about terms and conditions.
The process of cancellation typically begins with the decision to cancel. This verb is dynamic and active, emphasizing the choice and action taken by an individual or organization. Whereas, the term "cancellation" is static, highlighting the aftermath or the state resulting from the decision to cancel.
In practical terms, when someone says they need to "cancel," they are usually about to inform someone else or take steps to halt an arrangement. Meanwhile, "cancellation" might be used in contexts where the effects of the decision are being discussed, such as in customer service dialogues or in contractual contexts.
In everyday language, "cancel" is a common verb that people use without much formality. It is straightforward and direct. Conversely, "cancellation" is a noun that carries a slightly more formal tone and is often used in written or official communications.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Noun
Usage Context
Action-oriented, less formal
Result-oriented, more formal
Common Contexts
Personal plans, services
Policies, formal agreements
Example Sentences
E.g., I need to cancel our lunch.
E.g., Your flight cancellation is confirmed.
Effect on Arrangements
Directly stops or reverses plans
Indicates the condition post-action
Compare with Definitions
Cancel
To decide that an organized event will not happen.
They had to cancel the festival due to bad weather.
Cancellation
The action of causing something to not happen.
The cancellation of the flight was announced last minute.
Cancel
To mark something so as to make it unusable.
Please cancel the damaged passports.
Cancellation
An instance where something is marked as invalid or void.
The cancellation of the stamp was clearly visible.
Cancel
To stop an order for goods or services.
I had to cancel my order when I noticed the wrong shipping address.
Cancellation
A record of something being canceled, such as an entry or a document.
The office keeps a record of all membership cancellations.
Cancel
To remove a scheduled program from plans or timetables.
The network decided to cancel the show after two seasons.
Cancellation
The state of being cancelled, often used in formal contexts.
The cancellation policy of the hotel is quite strict.
Cancel
To invalidate or annul something.
The court has the power to cancel the outdated regulation.
Cancellation
The termination of a service or agreement.
The cancellation of the subscription will take effect next month.
Cancel
To annul or invalidate
Cancel a credit card.
Cancellation
The action of cancelling something
The project was threatened with cancellation by the government
The show is sold out, but check for cancellations
Cancel
To decide or announce that (a planned or scheduled event) will not take place, especially with no intention of holding it at a later time
Cancel a picnic.
Cancel a soccer game.
Cancellation
The act or an instance of canceling.
Cancel
To cross out with lines or other markings.
Cancellation
A mark or a perforation indicating canceling.
Cancel
To mark or perforate (a postage stamp or check, for example) to indicate that it may not be used again.
Cancellation
Something canceled, especially a released accommodation or an unfilled appointment.
Cancel
To neutralize or equalize; offset
Today's decline in stock price canceled out yesterday's gain.
Cancellation
The act, process, or result of cancelling; as, the cancellation of certain words in a contract, or of the contract itself.
Cancel
To remove (a common factor) from the numerator and denominator of a fractional expression.
Cancellation
(mathematics) The operation of striking out common factors, e.g. in both the dividend and divisor.
Cancel
To remove (a common factor or term) from both sides of an equation or inequality.
Cancellation
(philately) A postmark that marks a postage stamp so as to prevent its reuse.
Cancel
To neutralize one another; counterbalance
Two opposing forces that canceled out.
Cancellation
(legal) In United States intellectual property law, a proceeding in which an interested party seeks to cancel the registration of a trademark or patent.
Cancel
The act or an instance of canceling; a cancellation.
Cancellation
(anatomy) The property of being cancellate.
Cancel
(transitive) To cross out something with lines etc.
Cancellation
The act, process, or result of canceling; as, the cansellation of certain words in a contract, or of the contract itself.
Cancel
(transitive) To invalidate or annul something.
He cancelled his order on their website.
Cancellation
The operation of striking out common factors, in both the dividend and divisor.
Cancel
(transitive) To mark something (such as a used postage stamp) so that it can't be reused.
This machine cancels the letters that have a valid zip code.
Cancellation
The act of cancelling; calling off some arrangement
Cancel
(transitive) To offset or equalize something.
The corrective feedback mechanism cancels out the noise.
Cancellation
The speech act of revoking or annulling or making void
Cancel
To remove a common factor from both the numerator and denominator of a fraction, or from both sides of an equation.
Cancel
To stop production of a programme.
Cancel
To suppress or omit; to strike out, as matter in type.
Cancel
(obsolete) To shut out, as with a railing or with latticework; to exclude.
Cancel
(slang) To kill.
Cancel
To cease to provide financial or moral support to (someone deemed unacceptable). Compare cancel culture.
Cancel
A cancellation (US); (nonstandard in some kinds of English).
Cancel
A control message posted to Usenet that serves to cancel a previously posted message.
Cancel
(obsolete) An enclosure; a boundary; a limit.
Cancel
(printing) The suppression on striking out of matter in type, or of a printed page or pages.
Cancel
(printing) The page thus suppressed.
Cancel
(printing) The page that replaces it.
Cancel
To inclose or surround, as with a railing, or with latticework.
A little obscure place canceled in with iron work is the pillar or stump at which . . . our Savior was scourged.
Cancel
To shut out, as with a railing or with latticework; to exclude.
Cancel
To cross and deface, as the lines of a writing, or as a word or figure; to mark out by a cross line; to blot out or obliterate.
A deed may be avoided by delivering it up to be cancelled; that is, to have lines drawn over it in the form of latticework or cancelli; though the phrase is now used figuratively for any manner of obliterating or defacing it.
Cancel
To annul or destroy; to revoke or recall.
The indentures were canceled.
He was unwilling to cancel the interest created through former secret services, by being refractory on this occasion.
Cancel
To suppress or omit; to strike out, as matter in type.
Cancel
An inclosure; a boundary; a limit.
A prison is but a retirement, and opportunity of serious thoughts, to a person whose spirit . . . desires no enlargement beyond the cancels of the body.
Cancel
The suppression or striking out of matter in type, or of a printed page or pages.
Cancel
A notation cancelling a previous sharp or flat
Cancel
Postpone indefinitely or annul something that was scheduled;
Call off the engagement
Cancel the dinner party
Cancel
Make up for;
His skills offset his opponent's superior strength
Cancel
Declare null and void; make ineffective;
Cancel the election results
Strike down a law
Cancel
Remove or make invisible;
Please delete my name from your list
Cancel
Of cheques or tickets
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to cancel something?
To cancel something means to decide that it will not happen as planned.
Can "cancel" and "cancellation" be used interchangeably?
No, "cancel" is a verb and "cancellation" is a noun; they serve different grammatical purposes.
What is a cancellation in terms of service?
In terms of service, a cancellation refers to the termination of an ongoing service agreement.
How do I use "cancel" in a sentence?
You can use "cancel" by saying, "I need to cancel our appointment for tomorrow."
How does cancellation affect a contract?
Cancellation generally results in the termination of the contract and cessation of all related activities or services.
What should I consider before deciding to cancel?
Consider the consequences, potential penalties, and alternatives before deciding to cancel.
What is the process to cancel a subscription?
Typically, you need to notify the service provider in writing or via their specified method before the next billing period.
Can a cancellation be reversed?
Reversing a cancellation often depends on the provider’s policy and the nature of the service or agreement.
What are common reasons for cancellation?
Common reasons include unforeseen circumstances, changes in plans, or dissatisfaction with services.
Is there a penalty for cancellation?
Penalties for cancellation depend on the specific terms set out in a contract or agreement.
What does "cancellation" imply in legal documents?
In legal documents, "cancellation" implies the formal termination or voiding of a contract or agreement.
How do I communicate a cancellation effectively?
Communicate a cancellation clearly and promptly, providing the reasons and possible alternatives to affected parties.
What are the effects of cancellation on reputation?
Frequent cancellations can negatively impact a person's or organization’s reliability and reputation.
How do companies handle cancellations?
Companies have policies in place which detail the process, penalties, and conditions for cancellations.
What is the difference between canceling and postponing?
Canceling means completely stopping the planned activity, whereas postponing means delaying it to a later date.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
