cancelled

cancelled — verb

1. the form of the verb 'cancel' that shows an event, order, or arrangement was cal

1.verbA2
Definition

the form of the verb 'cancel' that shows an event, order, or arrangement was called off or stopped at some time in the past.

Example

The airline cancelled all flights after the volcano erupted.

past simple: subject + cancelled + object

Our dinner reservation was cancelled because the restaurant had a power cut.

passive: be + cancelled + by/because

Common collocations
  • was cancelled
  • got cancelled
  • had cancelled
  • has been cancelled
  • cancelled the meeting
  • cancelled the order
  • cancelled the flight
  • cancelled at the last minute

Usage Note

In British English the double-L spelling 'cancelled' is standard; in American English the single-L form 'canceled' is more common. Both forms are correct. As a past participle, 'cancelled' combines with 'have' (present perfect: has/have cancelled) and 'be' (passive voice: was/were cancelled).

Common Mistakes

The game was cancel.
The game was cancelled.
'cancel' needs -ed or -t to form the past participle in passive constructions.
She cancelled her plan last week.
She cancelled her plans last week.
use the plural 'plans' for general arrangements.

Word family