cancelling
To cancel is to decide that a planned event, arrangement, or activity will not take place. Think of it as drawing a literal or metaphorical line through a scheduled entry in a calendar, effectively erasing the commitment from your timeline. In a formal sense, it is used for contracts, orders, or legal agreements. In casual daily life, it is common when plans change due to unexpected circumstances. Note that "cancelling" (with double 'l') is the standard spelling in British English, while "canceling" (single 'l') is standard in American English.
In conversation
Cancelling dinner plans
I'm so sorry, but I have to cancel our dinner tonight.
I'm so sorry, but I have to cancel our dinner tonight.
That's okay! Something came up?
That's okay! Something came up?
Yeah, a last-minute work emergency. Rain check?
Yeah, a last-minute work emergency. Rain check?
'Rain check' is a common idiom used when cancelling plans that you intend to reschedule.
Cancelling a subscription
I see you want to cancel your premium membership.
I see you want to cancel your premium membership.
Yes, please. I'm not using it enough to justify the cost.
Yes, please. I'm not using it enough to justify the cost.
When dealing with businesses, 'cancel' is the direct term used for ending recurring services.
Examples
We are cancelling the meeting.
We are cancelling the meeting.
She had to cancel her flight due to the sudden storm.
She had to cancel her flight due to the sudden storm.
The committee decided to cancel the project after the funding was withdrawn.
The committee decided to cancel the project after the funding was withdrawn.
