Cancellation vs cancelation: The safe and standard spelling is “cancellation”, with a double “l.” It is used in both British and American English. “Cancelation” (one “l”) is a less common spelling, mostly seen in the US.
Let’s look at the simple rule, some examples, and a quick tip to remember it.
Cancellation vs Cancelation: The Simple Rule
“Cancellation” is the noun for the act of cancelling something. It is spelled c-a-n-c-e-l-l-a-t-i-o-n.
- Cancellation (double “l”) is correct everywhere and is the best choice.
- Cancelation (single “l”) is a rare variant. Some American dictionaries list it, but most writers do not use it.
If you want to avoid any doubt, always write “cancellation.”
Correct Examples of “Cancellation”
- “The cancellation of the flight surprised everyone.”
- “You can get a refund after cancellation.”
- “We received a cancellation email.”
- “There is a small fee for late cancellation.”
Less Common Spelling
- “The cancelation of the event was announced.” (Rare. Some American writers use it, but “cancellation” is safer.)
What About “Canceled” and “Cancelled”?
The verb has a similar spelling difference:
- Canceled (one “l”) is the American spelling. “The game was canceled.”
- Cancelled (two “l”) is the British spelling. “The game was cancelled.”
This is different from the noun. Even Americans who write “canceled” usually still write “cancellation.” That is why it is easy to get confused.
Spelling differences between American and British English are common. For another example, see our guide on defence or defense.
Quick Tip to Remember
Here is a simple memory trick: the word “cancel” already ends in “l,” and the noun adds “lation.” Put them together and you get two l’s: cancel + lation = cancellation.
A simple rule: when in doubt, write “cancellation” with two l’s. You will be correct in every country.
Cancellation vs Cancelation: Quick FAQ
Is “cancelation” a word?
It is a rare variant, mostly American. But it is not the main spelling, so “cancellation” is the safer choice.
Which spelling is better for my website or business?
“Cancellation” is better, because it is correct everywhere. Your readers in the US, UK, and other countries will all see it as normal.
Why do I see “canceled” with one “l” but “cancellation” with two?
They are two different words with different spelling habits. American English often shortens the verb to “canceled,” but the noun usually stays “cancellation.”
Final Thoughts
To sum up, “cancellation” is the correct and safe spelling. “Cancelation” is a rare variant that you can avoid.
For the verb, “canceled” is American and “cancelled” is British. Pick the style that matches your readers, and keep it the same in your whole text.
A quick check before you send a notice or an email can save you from a small, but visible, mistake. Another pair where both spellings are fine is flier vs flyer.