Cancelation Or Cancellation: Which Is Correct?

The English language can sometimes be tricky, especially when it comes to spelling variations. One common source of confusion is the difference between “cancelation” and “cancellation.” 

Both words come from the verb “cancel,” but their spelling differences often leave people wondering which one is correct. 

In this article, we will discuss both forms, why the variation exists, and how to use each in everyday writing.

Understanding Cancelation and Cancellation

At first glance, both “cancelation” and “cancellation” seem to mean the same thing: stopping something, like an event, or putting an end to a plan. 

But the difference in how they’re spelled can be confusing, making people wonder if both are correct or if one is wrong. To understand this better, we need to look at the history of English, how different dialects have influenced the language, and the rules of spelling.

Cancelation: Definition and Usage

“Cancelation” is a common misspelling of the correct word “cancellation.” The word refers to the act of calling off or stopping something, such as a meeting, event, or service.

Definition:

Cancellation (noun): The action of canceling or being canceled.

Correct Usage:

• “Cancellation” is the universally accepted spelling in both American and British English.
• Examples:
  • “The airline notified passengers of the flight cancellation.”
  • “Due to bad weather, the event faced an unexpected cancellation.”

Why Is “Cancelation” Incorrect?

While many words follow the pattern of dropping the second “L” in American English (e.g., “traveled” vs. “travelled”), “cancellation” is an exception. Both American and British English use “cancellation” with two “L’s.”

Cancellation: Definition and Usage

Cancellation refers to the act of stopping or calling off an event, plan, or arrangement that was previously scheduled or agreed upon.

Definition:

Cancellation (noun): The action of canceling something, such as a reservation, service, or event.

Usage:

• “Cancellation” is the correct spelling in both American and British English, making it the standard worldwide.
  Examples:
  • “The concert’s cancellation disappointed many fans.”
  • “She received a notification about the cancellation of her subscription.”
  • “Flight cancellations due to the storm affected hundreds of passengers.”

Common Contexts:

1. Travel:
   • “We were notified about the flight’s cancellation due to bad weather.”
2. Entertainment:
   • “The sudden cancellation of the TV show left fans upset.”
3. Business:
   • “The meeting cancellation saved everyone’s afternoon.”

Why Is It Not “Cancelation”?

While some verbs like “cancel” drop an “L” in American English (e.g., “canceled” vs. “cancelled”), “cancellation” retains the double “L” in both American and British spelling.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect	Cancellation	Cancelation
Correctness	✅ Correct in all forms of English	❌ Incorrect in both American and British English
Spelling	Double “L” (standard spelling)	Single “L” (non-standard spelling)
Usage	Universally accepted in American, British, Canadian, Australian English	Rarely used; considered a misspelling
Examples	– “The cancellation of the flight was announced.”– “She received a cancellation email.”	– “The cancelation of the flight was announced.” (incorrect)- “She received a cancelation email.” (incorrect)
Common Occurrences	Frequently used in business, travel, and events contexts globally	Rarely seen in formal contexts; mostly appears as a typo
Mnemonic to Remember	Think of “cancel” + “-lation”, but remember the double “L” stays.	None; best to avoid this form completely.

The root of the different spellings of cancelation and Cancellation 

The difference between “cancelation” and “cancellation” stems from the broader historical split between American and British English spelling conventions, but in this case, it’s a bit unique because only “cancellation” has become the universally accepted form in both dialects.

Here’s the breakdown of how these variations originated:

British Influence

• “Cancellation” follows British English rules, which generally prefer to double consonants when adding suffixes to words. In this case, “cancel” becomes “cancellation” by doubling the “L” before adding “-ation”.

• British English tends to preserve more traditional spellings based on the original word structure, and doubling consonants is part of that preservation.

American Simplification

• American English, under the influence of Noah Webster, often favors simpler, streamlined spellings. Webster advocated for spelling reforms in the early 19th century, simplifying words like “colour” to “color” and “honour” to “honor”.

• However, in the case of “cancellation”, while Americans often simplify double consonants in other instances (like “traveled” vs. “travelled”), they kept the double “L” in “cancellation”, making it the standard spelling even in the US. This decision aligns with the rule for words ending in unstressed syllables, where double consonants are often maintained.

Why “Cancelation” Isn’t Standard:

• While many other words in American English drop the second “L” (e.g., “traveled”, “modeled”), “cancelation” never gained traction as an accepted alternative.
• This may be due to the influence of international usage or the fact that “cancellation” simply became ingrained as the correct spelling in both British and American English, despite the usual American tendency to simplify.

When to Use Cancelation vs. Cancellation (And How to Remember It)

Cancellation (with double “L”) is the standard and widely accepted spelling in both American and British English. It is the correct form to use in most contexts, regardless of where you’re writing. It refers to the act of stopping or calling off an event, service, or agreement.

Cancelation (with a single “L”) is a variant spelling, but it’s far less common and generally considered incorrect. It occasionally pops up in American English due to the typical simplification of spellings, but “cancellation” is preferred and considered standard in formal and professional writing.

How to Remember the Difference

Here are a few tricks to help you remember when to use cancellation instead of cancelation:

1. Double the L, Double the Trouble: Think about how canceling an event can cause “double the trouble” for those involved. Just like the trouble, you double the “L” when you write “cancellation.”

2. Follow the Standard: Since cancellation is the standard spelling in both British and American English, you’ll never go wrong if you stick to this version. It’s easier to remember because it’s more frequently used, appearing in textbooks, formal writing, and professional settings.

3. “Cancellation” = “Cancellation Nation”: Imagine a country where everything gets canceled all the time! In this imaginary “Cancellation Nation”, you’d have to double the “L” to make sure it’s spelled correctly.

Cancelation or Cancellation Synonym

Both “cancelation” and “cancellation” refer to the act of terminating or nullifying something, such as an event, appointment, or agreement. Here are some synonyms for both terms:

Synonyms for Cancelation/Cancellation

1. Termination
2. Annulment
3. Abrogation
4. Revocation
5. Nullification
6. Discontinuation
7. Rescission
8. Abandonment

What are some other examples of one L vs. two LL spellings?  

One “L” vs. Two “LL” Spellings

Word	American English	British English
cancel	canceled, canceling, canceler	cancelled, cancelling, canceller
counsel	counseled, counseling, counselor	counselled, counselling, counsellor
fuel	fueled, fueling	fuelled, fuelling
initial	initialed, initialing	initialled, initialling
label	labeled, labeling	labelled, labelling
marvel	marveled, marveling, marvelous	marvelled, marvelling, marvellous
model	modeled, modeling, modeler	modelled, modelling, modeller
quarrel	quarreled, quarreling	quarrelled, quarrelling
signal	signaled, signaling	signalled, signalling
travel	traveled, traveling, traveler	travelled, travelling, traveller

Everyday Usage Examples

Examples of Cancelation

1. The cancelation of the flight was announced just hours before departure due to severe weather.
2. The company issued a formal notice of cancelation for the contract after the client failed to meet the agreed terms.
3. Many customers requested a cancelation of their subscriptions during the promotional period.
4. She received a confirmation email regarding the cancelation of her gym membership.
5. The sudden cancelation of the event left many attendees disappointed and confused.

Examples of Cancellation

1. The cancellation of the concert led to a surge in ticket refund requests from fans.
2. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the cancellation of the workshop was unavoidable.
3. The airline’s cancellation policy allows travelers to receive refunds for canceled flights.
4. They issued a public statement regarding the cancellation of the annual parade.
5. After the cancellation of their reservation, they quickly found another restaurant nearby.

Conclusion

While both “cancelation” and “cancellation” are technically correct, “cancellation” with two “l”s is the preferred and more widely accepted spelling today. It follows standard spelling conventions, especially in British English, and is commonly used around the world, including in the United States. 

As language changes over time, it’s a good idea to stay updated on which spellings are considered standard, especially in formal writing. By using “cancellation”, you can make sure your writing is clear, correct, and professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cancellation or cancelation in English?

Both “cancellation” and “cancelation” are correct, but “cancellation” is the preferred spelling in British English, while “cancelation” is more common in American English.

What is another word for cancelation?

Another word for “cancelation” is “cancellation,” but you can also use “voiding” or “revocation” depending on the context.

Is “cancelation” wrong?

“Cancelation” isn’t wrong, but it’s less commonly used than “cancellation,” especially in British English.

Can I use both interchangeably?

Yes, you can use both terms interchangeably, but it’s good to be aware of your audience’s preferences, American English often prefers “cancelation,” while British English usually sticks with “cancellation.”

>>>Read more:

• Forest Or Forrest: A Simple Guide to Understanding
• Lent Or Lended: Understanding the Correct Usage