Cancellable vs. Cancelable — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 7, 2023
Cancellable and Cancelable both mean capable of being canceled; "cancellable" is the British spelling, "cancelable" is the American.
Difference Between Cancellable and Cancelable
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cancellable is the British English spelling of the adjective that denotes something that can be canceled. It reflects the British tendency to double the final consonant when adding a suffix if the stress is on the final syllable of the word, such as in "travelling" or "signalling".
Cancelable, on the other hand, is the American English version of the same adjective. American English typically does not double the final consonant when adding a suffix unless the final syllable of the word is stressed, as seen in words like "kidnapping" or "formatted".
Each variant of the word aligns with the spelling conventions of its form of English. Cancellable is often seen in British publications and texts, whereas cancelable is more commonly found in American texts. This differentiation is important for maintaining consistency in writing within the given dialect.
It’s important to use the correct spelling depending on the intended audience. If writing for a British audience, "cancellable" should be used. For an American audience, "cancelable" is the correct form. This attention to detail can reflect a writer's professionalism and cultural awareness.
Despite their spelling differences, cancellable and cancelable carry the exact same meaning. The choice between them does not alter the meaning of a sentence; rather, it serves as an indicator of the writer's dialect or the version of English they are using.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling Variation
British English spelling
American English spelling
Final Consonant
Double ‘l’
Single ‘l’
Usage Region
Common in the UK, Canada, Australia, etc.
Common in the United States
Language Guides
Follows Oxford English Dictionary
Follows Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Examples in Publications
Seen in "The Guardian", "The Times"
Seen in "The New York Times", "The Washington Post"
Compare with Definitions
Cancellable
Permitting cancellation
The tickets were cancellable, thankfully.
Cancelable
Capable of being revoked
The appointment is cancelable if necessary.
Cancellable
Subject to termination
Her policy is cancellable by either party with notice.
Cancelable
Having the option to nullify
This service is cancelable at the end of the month.
Cancellable
Capable of being voided
The contract was cancellable within three days.
Cancelable
Permissible to terminate
The lease is cancelable with a month's notice.
Cancellable
Able to be called off
The meeting is cancellable if the weather worsens.
Cancelable
Allowed to be called off
The event is cancelable due to unforeseen circumstances.
Cancellable
Possessing the option to annul
The agreement is cancellable at any time.
Cancelable
To annul or invalidate
Cancel a credit card.
Cancellable
Which can be cancelled.
This commitment is not cancellable.
Cancelable
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.
Cancelable
To cross out with lines or other markings.
Cancelable
To mark or perforate (a postage stamp or check, for example) to indicate that it may not be used again.
Cancelable
To neutralize or equalize; offset
Today's decline in stock price canceled out yesterday's gain.
Cancelable
To remove (a common factor) from the numerator and denominator of a fractional expression.
Cancelable
To remove (a common factor or term) from both sides of an equation or inequality.
Cancelable
To neutralize one another; counterbalance
Two opposing forces that canceled out.
Cancelable
The act or an instance of canceling; a cancellation.
Cancelable
(US) cancellable
Cancelable
Able to be eliminated
Fortunately, the subscription is cancelable.
Common Curiosities
Is "cancellable" a real word?
Yes, "cancellable" is a valid British English word meaning capable of being canceled.
Does "cancelable" have different meanings in different contexts?
No, "cancelable" consistently means capable of being canceled regardless of context.
Can "cancelable" be used in British English?
"Cancelable" is typically American English; "cancellable" is preferred in British English.
Why does "cancellable" have two 'l's?
In British English, the final consonant is often doubled when adding a suffix.
Is "cancellable" only related to events and appointments?
No, "cancellable" can relate to anything that is capable of being canceled, not just events or appointments.
Are there any exceptions to the spelling rules for "cancellable" and "cancelable"?
No, the spelling rules for these words are consistent with the general spelling conventions of British and American English.
Can software subscriptions be described as "cancellable"?
Yes, software subscriptions that can be terminated are "cancellable".
Are "cancellable" and "cancelable" interchangeable?
Yes, they are interchangeable, but usage depends on the form of English being used.
Will using "cancelable" instead of "cancellable" be considered a spelling mistake in the UK?
Yes, it may be marked as a spelling error in a British English context.
Do "cancellable" and "cancelable" always refer to the same timeframes for cancellation?
Yes, the spelling does not affect the meaning or conditions of cancellation.
How do you pronounce "cancellable" and "cancelable"?
Both words are pronounced the same way: /ˈkæn.səl.ə.bəl/.
Is "cancelable" often used in legal documents in the US?
Yes, "cancelable" is the preferred spelling in American English legal documents.
Are "cancellable" and "cancelable" found in English dictionaries?
Yes, both forms are found in reputable English dictionaries, often with a note on regional usage.
What is the noun form of "cancellable" and "cancelable"?
The noun form is "cancellation" for both spellings.
How do I know whether to use "cancellable" or "cancelable" in my writing?
Choose based on the version of English (British or American) you or your audience use.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
