Finesentence

Cancelling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

❌
Save

cancelling

can-celling

🇺🇸 /ˈkænsəɫɪŋ/ · 🇬🇧 /kˈænsəlɪŋ/

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

booking

To decide not to go ahead with a planned event or arrangement.

Synonyms

abandoning, calling off, scrapping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
cancelling

Repeated word, same context as the first 'cancelling'.

  • The flight was cancelled due to technical issues.
  • She cancelled her dinner plans.
calling off

Informal context for ending or stopping plans, events, or actions, usually implying a decision made just before or at the time of the event.

  • They called off the meeting at the last minute.
  • He called off the search because of the storm.
scrapping

Often used in a negative context to indicate getting rid of plans, projects, or old things because they are no longer useful or viable.

  • The company decided to scrap the outdated machinery.
  • The project was scrapped after the initial tests failed.
abandoning

Implies leaving something behind or ceasing to support or look after it, often with a sense of giving up.

  • The explorers abandoned their mission due to lack of resources.
  • She felt sad about abandoning her hometown.

Examples of usage

  • Unfortunately, we are cancelling our trip to Europe due to the current travel restrictions.
  • She cancelled her appointment at the last minute.
Context #2 | Verb

subscription

To end a subscription or membership.

Synonyms

discontinuing, ending, terminating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
cancelling

Used when stopping a previously scheduled event, service, or process. Often implies it could be rescheduled or resumed later.

  • They are cancelling the meeting due to the bad weather.
  • The airline is cancelling multiple flights because of the storm.
terminating

Often used in a more formal or legal context to indicate permanent cessation, especially with contracts or employment. It can have a negative connotation.

  • The company is terminating his employment due to misconduct.
  • They are terminating the contract due to breach of terms.
ending

Used to indicate the conclusion of an event, period, or activity. It can suggest finality but isn't necessarily negative.

  • They are ending the program after ten successful years.
  • The last episode is ending the series with a bang.
discontinuing

Used when stopping a product, service, or practice permanently with no intention of resuming.

  • The company is discontinuing its line of flip phones.
  • Due to low demand, they are discontinuing production of this model.

Examples of usage

  • I decided to cancel my gym membership as I wasn't using it enough.
  • The company is cancelling their magazine subscriptions to save money.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “cancelling”

Cancelling is a 2-syllable verb (can-celling). It is pronounced /ˈkænsəɫɪŋ/ in American English and /kˈænsəlɪŋ/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 6 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #20,446 among the most common English words.

Origin of 'cancelling'

The word 'cancelling' comes from the Old French word 'canceler', which means 'to cross out or annul'. The term has evolved over time to refer to the act of stopping or ending something previously arranged or scheduled. This concept of cancellation has become common in various aspects of modern life, from travel plans to subscriptions and events.

See also: cancel, cancellation, canceller.

Rhymes

Cancelling rhymes with canceling.

See all rhymes →

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,446, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.