Cancelation Or Cancellation: Which Is Correct?

The terms cancelation or cancellation often create confusion, especially for those trying to decide which spelling is correct. While both words are related to the act of calling off or terminating something, the key difference lies in their spelling and regional usage. Understanding which version to use can help make your writing more accurate and clear, especially when dealing with formal contexts.

“Cancellation” is the more widely accepted spelling in most English-speaking countries, including the United States and the UK. However, “cancelation” is sometimes used, particularly in American English, though it’s less common. This article will explore the differences between the two terms and provide guidance on when to use each version.

Understanding Cancelation and Cancellation

Cancelation: Definition and Usage

“Cancelation” refers to the act of calling off or terminating an event, service, or agreement. It is an alternative spelling of “cancellation,” primarily used in American English. Though less common, it is accepted in some contexts. It is used in both formal and informal settings to indicate the annulment of something planned or scheduled.

Example

• Due to unforeseen circumstances, the event’s cancelation was announced last minute.
• The company processed the cancelation of the subscription after the customer requested it.

Cancellation: Definition and Usage

“Cancellation” refers to the act of stopping, invalidating, or terminating something that was previously planned or scheduled. It is the widely accepted spelling in both British and American English. Used in various contexts, including events, subscriptions, and agreements, it indicates the annulment of prior arrangements. The term is widely recognized and formal in both written and spoken communication.

Examples

• The flight cancellation was due to severe weather conditions, leaving passengers stranded at the airport.
• The cancellation of the meeting caused delays in the project timeline, frustrating the team.

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Why cancelled and canceled are different

The difference between “cancelled” and “canceled” lies in regional spelling conventions.

• “Cancelled” (with two “l”s) is the preferred spelling in British English and is commonly used in countries that follow British norms.
• “Canceled” (with one “l”) is the standard spelling in American English, following a general American preference for simplified spellings.

Both versions are correct, but their usage depends on the regional rules of the English being used.

Cancelled vs. canceled: American examples

In American English, “canceled” (with one “l”) is the preferred spelling. Here are a couple of examples:

• The concert was canceled due to unforeseen technical difficulties.
• My flight was canceled last minute because of the storm.

Cancelled vs. canceled: British examples

In British English, “cancelled” (with two “l”s) is the preferred spelling. Here are a couple of examples:

• The football match was cancelled due to heavy rain.
• The meeting was cancelled at the last minute because the speaker couldn’t attend.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s a side-by-side comparison between “cancelled” and “canceled”:

Feature	Canceled (American English)	Cancelled (British English)
Definition	The act of stopping or terminating something	The act of stopping or terminating something
Preferred Spelling	Used in American English	Used in British English
Examples	“The concert was canceled due to weather.”	“The football match was cancelled due to rain.”
Common Usage	Mainly in the U.S.	Mainly in the UK and other Commonwealth countries
Key Difference	Shorter spelling with one “l”	Longer spelling with two “l”s

While both “canceled” and “cancelled” mean the same thing, the difference lies in regional spelling preferences. “Canceled” is commonly used in American English, while “cancelled” is preferred in British English. Understanding which version to use depends on your audience’s location.

Everyday Usage Examples

Everyday usage of “canceled” and “cancelled” varies depending on the region. In American English, you might hear, “The meeting was canceled due to technical issues.” In contrast, in British English, it’s more common to say, “The flight was cancelled because of the snowstorm.” Whether you’re booking a trip or attending an event, understanding the regional spelling helps ensure your writing is correct.

For “Cancelation”

• The hotel informed us of the cancelation of our reservation due to overbooking.
• The cancelation of the concert left many fans disappointed.
• Due to the weather, the cancelation of the outdoor event was announced early in the morning.
• She requested a cancelation of her gym membership after moving to another city.

For “Cancellation”

• The cancellation of the meeting was confirmed by the organizer early this morning.
• Due to a scheduling conflict, they issued a cancellation for the dinner reservation.
• The airline notified us of the cancellation of our flight due to mechanical issues.
• After much debate, the company decided to proceed without the cancellation of the contract.

These examples show that both “cancelation” and “cancellation” can be used to describe stopping plans, events, or services in different situations.

The word “cancellation” is widely used in both personal and professional settings to refer to the annulment or termination of plans. It can apply to a wide range of scenarios, from events and appointments to services and subscriptions. 

FAQs

Is “cancellation” spelled with one or two L’s?

“Cancellation” is spelled with two L’s. This is the standard spelling in both British and American English.

Which is correct, “cancellation” or “cancelation”?

Both “cancellation” and “cancelation” are correct, but “cancellation” with two L’s is more widely used in both British and American English.

How do you spell “cancellation” in Canada?

In Canada, “cancellation” is typically spelled with two L’s, following British English conventions.

How do you spell cancelling in the UK?

In the UK, “cancelling” is spelled with two L’s, following British English rules.

How do Americans spell cancelling?

In American English, “cancelling” is spelled with one L, following the American preference for simpler spellings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the spelling of “cancellation” and related terms like “canceling” or “cancelling” varies based on regional preferences. While “cancellation” is commonly used with two L’s in both British and Canadian English, Americans tend to use the simplified one L form. 

The key difference lies in regional spelling conventions, with British English often opting for the double L form. Understanding these distinctions ensures proper usage depending on your audience. Ultimately, both versions are correct, but the spelling choice depends on the country or style guide you’re following.