Cancelled vs. Postponed — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 22, 2024
Cancelled events are completely called off, never to occur, while postponed events are delayed to a later date but expected to happen.
Difference Between Cancelled and Postponed
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
When an event is cancelled, it means that it will not take place at all, and there is no intention to reschedule it. Whereas, when an event is postponed, it is simply delayed and planned to occur at a future date. This distinction is crucial for attendees to understand the status of the event.
Cancellation usually occurs due to reasons that make the event impossible or impractical, such as severe weather, lack of resources, or other irreversible issues. On the other hand, postponement might be due to temporary circumstances that could change, like unexpected conflicts in schedule or short-term logistical problems.
For those involved, a cancelled event can mean the end of opportunities associated with it, such as networking or entertainment. Conversely, a postponed event still holds promise and attendees can expect it to occur later, maintaining their anticipation.
Refunds are often issued in the case of cancellations, since the event will not be held at all. However, in the case of postponement, refunds might not be offered immediately, as the event is expected to take place at a later time.
In terms of impact, cancellation is generally more definitive and disruptive. It signals a complete halt in proceedings, while postponement keeps the possibility alive, just at a different time than originally planned.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Event not occurring at all.
Event delayed to a later date.
Expectation
No expectation of rescheduling.
Expected to occur eventually.
Typical Reasons
Irreversible issues.
Temporary logistical problems.
Attendee Impact
Loss of opportunity.
Maintained anticipation.
Refund Policy
Likely refunds.
Delayed or no refunds.
Compare with Definitions
Cancelled
Stopped from happening.
The meeting was cancelled with no plans to reschedule.
Postponed
Delayed until a later time.
The wedding was postponed due to travel restrictions.
Cancelled
Terminated permanently.
The concert was cancelled due to the lead singer’s illness.
Postponed
Rescheduled to a future date.
The conference was postponed to the following year.
Cancelled
Erased or removed.
The artist cancelled the sketch and started anew.
Postponed
Deferred for future consideration.
The decision was postponed until more data could be gathered.
Cancelled
Annulled or made void.
All flights were cancelled after the snowstorm.
Postponed
Held back temporarily.
The launch was postponed due to technical issues.
Cancelled
Withdrawn from consideration.
The proposed policy was cancelled following public outcry.
Postponed
Put off by arrangement.
The maintenance work was postponed by a week.
Cancelled
To annul or invalidate
Cancel a credit card.
Postponed
Postponed (foaled 4 April 2011) is an Irish-bred, British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse. He won one minor race as a two-year-old before establishing himself as a useful middle-distance performer in the following year with wins in the Glasgow Stakes and the Great Voltigeur Stakes.
Cancelled
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.
Postponed
To cause or arrange for (an event) to take place at a time later than the time at which it was originally supposed to happen.
Cancelled
To cross out with lines or other markings.
Postponed
Simple past tense and past participle of postpone
Cancelled
To mark or perforate (a postage stamp or check, for example) to indicate that it may not be used again.
Postponed
Done later than originally planned; delayed.
Cancelled
To neutralize or equalize; offset
Today's decline in stock price canceled out yesterday's gain.
Postponed
Put off to later;
Requested a deferred payment
Our postponed trip
Cancelled
To remove (a common factor) from the numerator and denominator of a fractional expression.
Cancelled
To remove (a common factor or term) from both sides of an equation or inequality.
Cancelled
To neutralize one another; counterbalance
Two opposing forces that canceled out.
Cancelled
The act or an instance of canceling; a cancellation.
Cancelled
Simple past tense and past participle of cancel
The game was cancelled because of snow on the field.
Cancelled
No longer planned or scheduled.
The cancelled show would have drawn 5,000 fans.
Cancelled
(of a mail item) Marked over the stamp, to show that the stamp has been used.
Cancelled
(of events) no longer planned or scheduled;
The wedding is definitely off
Common Curiosities
What are common reasons for an event to be cancelled?
Events are usually cancelled due to irreversible issues like severe weather, lack of resources, or significant operational challenges.
What does it mean when an event is postponed?
An event is postponed when its planned date is delayed, but it is expected to occur at a later time.
Are refunds provided for postponed events?
Refunds for postponed events depend on the policy of the organizers, as the event is still intended to take place.
What happens to tickets for a cancelled event?
Typically, tickets for a cancelled event are refunded.
What happens to tickets for a postponed event?
Tickets for a postponed event may remain valid for the new date, or options for refund might be offered.
What does it mean when an event is cancelled?
An event is considered cancelled when it is completely called off with no intention to reschedule.
Can a cancelled event become postponed instead?
Once an event is cancelled, it generally does not occur; however, the organizers might decide to create a new but similar event.
What are common reasons for an event to be postponed?
Postponements often occur due to temporary logistical problems or scheduling conflicts.
How should one communicate a cancellation versus a postponement?
For cancellations, communication should clearly state that the event will not occur. For postponements, it should provide the new date if available.
How can attendees be informed about a postponement?
Attendees should be informed via official channels like email, social media, or official announcements.
Is it better to cancel or postpone an event?
The decision between cancelling or postponing an event depends on whether the original plan can feasibly occur at a later time.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-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.
