cancellation

/ˌkænsəˈleɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌkænsəˈleɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌkan(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən/ (ame, mw)

cancellation — noun

1. the act or process of deciding that a planned event will not take place, or that

1.名詞C1
釋義

the act or process of deciding that a planned event will not take place, or that an order, agreement, or arrangement is stopped before it is carried out.

例句

The cancellation of the festival disappointed thousands of people who had bought tickets.

countable: cancellation + of + event

Any flight cancellation due to bad weather will be refunded within seven days.

uncountable: flight / order cancellation

同義詞
  • calling off

    less formal; used mainly for events, not contracts

  • revocation

    formal; used for official documents, licences, or legal agreements

反義詞
  • confirmation

    used when an arrangement or booking is officially made certain

文法句型

cancellation + of + noun phrase

用法筆記

Both countable (a cancellation / the cancellations) and uncountable (cancellation is expected) uses are common. When referring to a specific stopped event, the countable form is preferred.

常見錯誤

❌The meeting got a cancellation because the manager was sick.
✅The meeting was cancelled because the manager was sick.
💡'cancellation' is a noun, not a verb. Use 'cancel' as the verb form.

2. a broadcaster or streaming service's decision to stop making new parts of a TV s

2.名詞B2
釋義

a broadcaster or streaming service's decision to stop making new parts of a TV show, usually because few people are watching or the cost of production is too high.

例句

Fans started an online petition after the surprise cancellation of their favourite drama series.

cancellation + of + TV show (fan response)

The network announced the cancellation of three shows that had low ratings this season.

countable: the cancellation + of + shows

同義詞
  • axing

    informal; 'the show got axed' is common in journalism

  • discontinuation

    formal; wider than TV, but can apply to programme production

反義詞
  • renewal

    used when a TV show is given a new season

文法句型

cancellation + of + TV show / series

用法筆記

Frequently used with television, streaming, and media as the context. The countable form (a cancellation, three cancellations) is typical when naming specific shows.

3. a situation in which people stop supporting or engaging with a person, company,

3.名詞C1
釋義

a situation in which people stop supporting or engaging with a person, company, or group because of something unacceptable they have said or done — often done through coordinated online action.

例句

The influencer faced widespread cancellation after old offensive posts were shared online.

face cancellation — common collocation

Some activists call for the cancellation of public figures who make harmful statements.

call for + cancellation + of + person

同義詞
  • boycott

    broader — can be economic or political; does not always involve online shaming

  • public shaming

    focuses on the humiliation aspect rather than the withdrawal of support

反義詞
  • forgiveness

    the opposite reaction — choosing to accept an apology rather than withdrawing support

文法句型

cancellation + of + someone

face cancellation

call for the cancellation of

用法筆記

This sense is closely tied to 'cancel culture' — the modern social-media-driven phenomenon. It is almost always used uncountably when referring to the general practice, but a countable form (a cancellation) can refer to a specific instance. Often carries strong emotional or political overtones. See also the phrasal verb 'cancel' (verb, sense 3).

常見錯誤

❌He received a cancellation from his friends.
✅He was cancelled by his friends.
💡As a noun, 'cancellation' in this sense usually describes the concept or practice, not the act applied to one person. The verb 'cancel' is more natural for individuals.

4. a ticket, hotel room, appointment slot, or similar item that becomes open and av

4.名詞B2
釋義

a ticket, hotel room, appointment slot, or similar item that becomes open and available because another person or group has decided not to use the one they reserved.

例句

Beatriz snapped up a hotel cancellation for a sea-view room at a discount.

countable noun: a cancellation = an available room

Yusuf checked the airline site daily, hoping to find a cancellation on the sold-out flight.

同義詞
  • availability

    broader; refers to any open slot, not just one freed by cancellation

文法句型

a cancellation

cancellations available

用法筆記

Always countable in this sense. Typical in travel, hospitality, and service booking contexts. Often modified by 'last-minute' or 'late'.

常見錯誤

❌I got a cancellation from my hotel because I changed my plans.
✅I got a cancellation at the hotel
💡someone else cancelled and I took their room.' — In this sense, 'a cancellation' means an AVAILABLE slot, not the act of cancelling your own reservation.