Cancellation vs Cancelation: Which Spelling is Correct?

When it comes to spelling, certain words can be tricky, and “cancellation or cancelation” is one of them. While both forms are correct, they differ depending on where you’re writing. British English prefers “cancellation” with two “l’s,” while American English often uses “cancelation” with a single “l.”

Understanding when and how to use these variations can help you write more clearly and correctly. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between “cancellation” and “cancelation” to make it easier for you to choose the right one for your writing. Let’s dive in!

Why is There Confusion?

The confusion between “cancellation” and “cancelation” comes from how English spelling differs in British and American usage. British English sticks to traditional spelling rules, doubling the “l” when adding suffixes like “-ation.” That’s why “cancellation” is the standard in the UK and most other English-speaking countries. On the other hand, American English often simplifies spellings, dropping one “l” to form “cancelation.” This difference in spelling creates a tricky situation for learners and writers alike, especially when trying to decide which version to use.

Quick Summary

Both “cancellation” and “cancelation” are acceptable spellings, but “cancellation,” with two “l’s,” is more commonly used, especially in British English. In contrast, American English includes the simplified “cancelation,” featuring just one “l,” although it is less frequently seen. To ensure your writing remains clear and consistent, opting for “cancellation” is usually the safer choice. This difference reflects a broader pattern in English, where American English tends to simplify spellings, while British English often preserves traditional forms.

What Do “Cancellation” and “Cancelation” Mean?

“Cancellation” and “cancelation” both mean calling off or stopping something, like a plan or event. The word describes the act of deciding something won’t happen as planned. For example, canceling a game due to rain involves a cancellation. While “cancellation” is used more often, especially in British English, “cancelation” is a simpler American spelling. Both spellings share the same meaning, so either one works depending on where you’re writing.

Canceled or Cancelled? Canceler or Canceller? Canceling or Cancelling?

Similar to “cancellation” and “cancelation,” these words also reflect the same pattern. British English tends to use the double “l” in terms like “cancelled,” “cancelling,” and “canceller.” On the other hand, American English usually prefers the single “l” versions—”canceled,” “canceling,” and “canceler.” However, both spellings are widely recognized and acceptable in contemporary usage.

“Cancellation vs Cancelation”: Which Spelling Should You Use?

“Cancellation” and “cancelation” mean the same thing, but the spelling depends on where you live. In British English, “cancellation” with two Ls is the correct choice. American English often uses the simplified “cancelation” with one L, but it’s less common. To stay consistent, most people stick to “cancellation,” especially in formal writing. Picking the right spelling helps avoid confusion and shows attention to detail.

Why Do American and British English Differ in the Use of Single or Double “L”?

The difference between American and British English with the use of single or double “L” goes back to historical changes in spelling. American English, influenced by Noah Webster, aimed to simplify many spellings, like dropping extra letters. For example, “cancelation” uses one L instead of two. British English, on the other hand, kept the traditional spellings with double consonants, like “cancellation.” This shift made American English easier to spell, but British English stuck to older rules. Over time, these spelling differences became standard in each region. Understanding these patterns helps us choose the right spelling depending on where we’re writing.

British English	American English
Travelling	Traveling
Modelling	Modeling
Marvelling	Marveling
Fuelling	Fueling
Labelling	Labeling
Quarrelling	Quarreling
Signalling	Signaling
Dialling	Dialing

Correct Spelling of Cancellation: British vs American English

In British English, “cancellation” is spelled with two “l’s” while in American English, it’s commonly spelled with just one “l” as “cancelation.” Both spellings are correct, but the British version is more widely used in the UK, and the American version is favored in the U.S. To keep your writing clear, choose the spelling that matches the version of English you’re using. If you’re writing for a British audience, use “cancellation,” and if you’re writing for an American audience, “cancelation” works just fine.

Here is the Breakdown

Word	British English	American English
Cancellation	Cancellation	Cancelation
Canceled	Cancelled	Canceled
Traveled	Travelled	Traveled

Double “L” in British English vs Single “L” in American English

In British English, words like “cancelled” and “travelling” use a double “l,” while in American English, the same words are spelled with a single “l” as “canceled” and “traveled.” such as “modelling” (British) vs. “modeling” (American) and “fuelled” (British) vs. “fueled” (American). This difference is a simple regional spelling preference.

Cancelation or Cancellation Usage: What’s the Right One?

You might be wondering: When should I use each one?

• Use “cancellation” when writing in British English or for more formal, traditional spelling.
• Use “cancelation” in American English or if you prefer a simplified spelling style.

Spelling Rules for Double Consonants

These rules help make writing consistent depending on which version of English you use.

• In British English, double consonants are often used when adding endings like -ed or -ing, especially when the word ends in a single vowel followed by a consonant. For example, “travel” becomes “travelling” or “cancel” becomes “cancelling.”
• In American English, the consonant is usually not doubled when adding these endings. So, “travel” becomes “traveled” and “cancel” becomes “canceling.”

Double Consonants in Words

Base Word + Suffix	British English	American English
Cancel + -ation	Cancellation	Cancelation
Cancel + -ed	Cancelled	Canceled
Travel + -ed	Travelled	Traveled
Model + -ing	Modelling	Modeling
Marvel + -ing	Marvelling	Marveling
Fuel + -ing	Fuelling	Fueling
Label + -ing	Labelling	Labeling

Examples in Context

• The cancellation of the flight caused a lot of confusion among passengers. (British English)
• The airline issued a cancelation notice for the delayed flights. (American English)
• We received a cancellation email from the event organizer. (British English)
• The meeting was a cancelation due to bad weather. (American English)
• After the cancellation of school, we decided to go to the park. (British English)
• The cancelation of the concert was announced early in the day. (American English)
• You should double-check the cancellation policy before booking your tickets. (British English)
• The cancelation fees for this hotel are quite high. (American English)
• The cancellation notice was sent out to all customers. (British English)
• There was no cancelation of the team’s practice session today. (American English)

Synonyms of “Cancellation”

Revocation: The act of officially canceling something.

Annulment: The official invalidation of something, like a contract or event.

Termination: The ending or stopping of something, often used in business.

Reversal: A change that undoes a previous decision or action.

Abort: To stop or cancel something before it’s finished or fully started.

Discontinuation: The act of ending something permanently.

Withdrawal: The act of taking back or removing something.

Rescinding: Officially canceling or reversing a decision or agreement.

Origins of “Cancellation”

The word “cancellation” comes from the Latin word cancellare, meaning “to cross out” or “to remove.” It was originally used in the context of crossing out or invalidating written items. Over time, the word evolved in English to mean the act of officially stopping or ending something, like a plan or agreement. The spelling “cancellation” with double “l” became standard in British English, while the American version, “cancelation,” adopted a simplified form. This change reflects the general tendency in American English to simplify certain spellings compared to British English.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both “cancellation” and “cancelation” are correct, but the spelling you choose depends on where you’re writing. British English prefers the double “l” in “cancellation,” while American English often uses the single “l” in “cancelation.” It’s important to follow the right spelling based on your audience. Whether you use “cancellation” or “cancelation,” make sure your writing is consistent and clear. Understanding these small differences helps you communicate more effectively in both English dialects.

FAQs

Does cancellation have one L or two?
In British English, “cancellation” has two “l’s.” In American English, the word can also be spelled as “cancelation” with one “l.”

Is it cancelled or canceled in the USA?
In the USA, the correct spelling is “canceled” with one “l.” This follows American English conventions for simplification.

What is the correct way to write cancellation?
The correct way to write “cancellation” depends on your location. Use “cancellation” with two “l’s” in British English, and “cancelation” with one “l” in American English.