The differences between canceled and cancelled are in spelling and origin, but there’s no difference in meaning. Canceled and cancelled are both acceptable and correct spellings of the past tense of cancel. Moreover, spelling variations are a matter of American English and British English spellings. Canceled, the one spelled with single “L” is American English, while cancelled, the one spelled with double “L” is British English spelling.
Despite the spelling variations of the word, it’s not considered a grammatical mistake if canceled is used in British English-speaking countries, and cancelled in America. Therefore, using canceled or cancelled is grammatically correct—just ensure consistency with chosen spelling variation, especially in formal written contexts.
History of Canceled vs. Cancelled
The different spelling versions of canceled and cancelled appeared as leading dictionaries began utilizing different spellings. While the British people mainly use spellings summarized in Samuel Johnson’s A Dictionary of the English Language, American publications observe spellings from Noah Webster’s An American Dictionary of the English Language.
In Webster’s dictionary (1806 version), cancelled (double letter L “ll”) was used. But due to Webster’s advocacy for simplicity, canceled with a single “l” was used in the 1828 dictionary version. Since then, following Webster, canceled became common in American English.
When to Use Canceled
Canceled is American English
We use canceled as the American English spelling of the past tense of the verb cancel. The following sentences show how canceled is used:
Deciding that Something Planned Will Not Happen Now
Astrid’s flight back to China was canceled.
Without any notice, his manager abruptly canceled a scheduled meeting.
Tomorrow’s game was canceled due to the bad weather.
Ending an Agreement or Arrangement
Please have my restaurant reservation canceled.
The bank canceled the remaining debts of the company Brittany works for.
Sadie canceled her scheduled appointment over the phone.
Withdrawing One’s Support Over Someone
Cancel culture, or call-out culture, is a term used to refer to a modern form of excluding someone socially or professionally. These people are “canceled.”
The internet canceled the celebrity over homophobic tweets.
The writer was canceled after expressing her views on transgender rights.
When to Use Cancelled
Cancelled is British English
We use cancelled as the British English spelling of the past tense of the verb cancel. The following sentences show how cancelled is used:
Deciding that Something Planned Will Not Happen Now
The wedding was cancelled one week before the original date.
Tame Impala cancelled their ‘The Slow Rush’ tours in 2020.
The former president’s flight to America was cancelled.
Ending an Agreement or Arrangement
Her Vogue magazine subscription was cancelled.
When he cancelled his order, it was too late.
Netflix cancelled many shows in 2021.
Withdrawing One’s Support Over Someone
Ellen DeGeneres was cancelled in 2020.
A famous musician’s recent ex-girlfriend was cancelled on Twitter.
Due to his misogyny, it’s no wonder he was cancelled.
Canceled vs. Cancelled: Is There a Difference?
Yes, there’s a difference between canceled and cancelled in terms of spelling and origin, but no difference in meaning. Accordingly, we use canceled and cancelled as both acceptable and correct past tense spelling forms of the word cancel. Besides, canceled, the one spelled with single “L” is American English, while cancelled, the one spelled with double “L” is British English.
References:
Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.) Cancel. In https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/ dictionary. Retrieved March 15, 2022, fromhttps://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/cancel
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online. (n.d.). Cancel. In https://www.ldoceonline.com/ dictionary. Retrieved March 15, 2022, from https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/cancel
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Cancel. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved March 15, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cancel
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). ‘Canceled’ or ‘Cancelled’? In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved March 15, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/canceled-or-cancelled
Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries. (n.d.). Cancel. In https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/ dictionary. Retrieved March 15, 2022, from https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/cancel?q=cancel
