Cancelation vs. Cancellation: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on February 26, 2024
"Cancelation" and "Cancellation" mean the act of annulling something; "Cancelation" is a less common spelling variant, primarily in American English.
Key Differences
Cancelation and cancellation refer to the act of making something null and void or stopping something from occurring. Both spellings convey the same concept and are understood in the same way. The variation in spelling does not affect the pronunciation or the meaning of the word. "Cancelation" with one "l" is an alternative spelling that is occasionally accepted, especially in American English.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
The word "Cancellation" with two "l"s is the standard form in both American and British English. The double "l" in "cancellation" follows a common pattern in English where the ending "-ation" is preceded by a consonant that is doubled. "Cancelation" is a simplified form that aligns with the American English trend of streamlining certain British spellings.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
"Cancelation" is less commonly used, but it can be found in various texts and publications within the United States. It represents a departure from the more traditional spelling of "cancellation" but is considered correct by some American dictionaries. However, "cancellation" remains the dominant form and is more frequently encountered in written and spoken English globally.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
In the context of grammar and spelling, "cancelation" may be seen as a variant that reflects a broader tendency in American English to simplify certain spellings. For example, "labor" versus "labour" or "color" versus "colour." In contrast, "cancellation" reflects a more conservative approach to spelling, retaining the form that is more consistent with the word's etymology and with the International English standard.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
While "cancelation" with one "l" might appear in American contexts, using "cancellation" with two "l"s is always correct and is less likely to be questioned by readers or listeners. As English continues to evolve, variations in spelling like "cancelation" may become more accepted, but for now, "cancellation" remains the preferred spelling in formal and international contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Formality
Accepted in less formal contexts
Preferred in formal and international contexts
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Nov 08, 2023
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Cancelation and Cancellation Definitions
Cancelation
Withdrawal from a planned event or obligation
Their cancelation of the dinner plans was disappointing.
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Nov 08, 2023
Cancellation
Discontinuation of a service or subscription
We received a notice about the cancellation of our magazine subscription.
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Nov 08, 2023
Cancelation
Termination of an agreement or contract
The contract’s cancelation came as a relief to us.
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Nov 08, 2023
Cancellation
The process of ending an arranged event
The wedding's cancellation was announced due to unforeseen circumstances.
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Nov 08, 2023
Cancelation
The process of stopping something from happening
Due to the storm, the concert's cancelation was inevitable.
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Nov 08, 2023
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Cancellation
The act of making something null and void
The cancellation of the event left the audience upset.
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Nov 08, 2023
Cancelation
A mark made to show that something is no longer valid
A stamp marked the cancelation of the passport.
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Nov 08, 2023
Cancellation
The removal of a scheduled program or booking
The TV show's cancellation was confirmed by the network.
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Nov 08, 2023
Cancelation
The act of annulling something
The airline's sudden cancelation of flights caused chaos.
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Nov 08, 2023
Cancellation
Something canceled, especially a released accommodation or an unfilled appointment.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cancelation
Something canceled, especially a released accommodation or an unfilled appointment.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cancellation
The act, process, or result of cancelling; as, the cancellation of certain words in a contract, or of the contract itself.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cancellation
(mathematics) The operation of striking out common factors, e.g. in both the dividend and divisor.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cancellation
(philately) A postmark that marks a postage stamp so as to prevent its reuse.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cancellation
The act, process, or result of canceling; as, the cansellation of certain words in a contract, or of the contract itself.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cancellation
The operation of striking out common factors, in both the dividend and divisor.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cancellation
A mark or deletion indicating invalidity
The cancellation on the check prevented it from being cashed.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is "cancelation" a correct spelling?
Yes, "cancelation" is an accepted variant in American English.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Will "cancelation" be understood by English speakers globally?
Yes, but "cancellation" is more widely recognized and accepted.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Can I use "cancelation" in formal writing?
It's best to use "cancellation" in formal writing to avoid confusion.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Do "cancelation" and "cancellation" have the same pronunciation?
Yes, they are pronounced the same.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
How can I remember which spelling to use?
Remember that "cancellation" is standard in both American and British English.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
In publishing, which spelling is advised?
"Cancellation" is advised for consistency across publications.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Are both spellings accepted in British English?
No, British English prefers "cancellation" with two "l"s.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Is "cancelation" found in dictionaries?
Yes, but it may be listed as a less common variant.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Are there instances where "cancelation" is preferable?
"Cancelation" may be used to align with American English simplifications.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Should I avoid using "cancelation"?
It's not incorrect, but "cancellation" is less likely to be challenged.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Which is the preferred spelling, "cancelation" or "cancellation"?
"Cancellation" is the preferred and more common spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
How do most spell checkers treat "cancelation"?
Many spell checkers may flag "cancelation" as an error, suggesting "cancellation" instead.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Is one spelling more modern than the other?
"Cancelation" might be seen as a more modern American variant.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Why does "cancelation" have one 'l'?
It follows a pattern in American English where spelling is simplified.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Can spelling vary between "cancelation" and "cancellation" in a document?
It's important to choose one spelling and use it consistently.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Has the use of "cancelation" been increasing?
It's relatively stable but less common than "cancellation."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Do "cancelation" and "cancellation" have different meanings?
No, they have the same meaning.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Does "cancelation" appear in legal documents?
"Cancellation" is typically used in legal documents for clarity.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Is "cancelation" ever the only correct form?
No, "cancellation" can always be used as the correct form.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Which spelling should I teach to ESL students?
Teach "cancellation" as it is universally accepted and recognized.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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