Canceled vs. Cancelled: What’s the Difference?
Find out whether canceled or cancelled is correct in American and British English, with examples, consistency tips, and FAQs.
Canceled and cancelled are both correct. Canceled, with one l, is preferred in American English. Cancelled, with two l’s, is preferred in British English and is also common in other varieties of English.
At 6:15 a.m., an airline alert says canceled while a UK news story says cancelled. Neither editor made a mistake—the spelling changes with the variety of English.
Canceled vs. Cancelled at a glance
| Word | Typical role | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| canceled | American English spelling | called off or decided not to continue | The U.S. office canceled the meeting. |
| cancelled | British English spelling | called off or decided not to continue | The London office cancelled the meeting. |
How to use canceled
American spelling usually does not double the final l before -ed when the final syllable is unstressed.
The U.S. office canceled the meeting.
How to use cancelled
British English commonly doubles a final l before endings such as -ed and -ing.
The London office cancelled the meeting.
Rules that make the choice easier
Match your audience
Choose canceled for a primarily American audience and cancelled for a primarily British audience. Canadian and Australian usage often favors two l’s.
Stay consistent
A document should not switch between canceled and cancelled without a reason. Set a language standard in your style guide and apply it throughout.
Watch related forms
American English typically uses canceling but cancellation. British English uses cancelling and cancellation. The double l in cancellation is standard in both.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not label one form universally wrong; the correct choice depends on the language variety.
- Avoid mixing “the flight was canceled” with “the cancelled booking” in the same U.S.-English document.
- Cancellation normally has two l’s in both American and British English.
Quick practice
1. Which spelling fits standard U.S. English?
Answer: canceled
2. Which spelling fits standard British English?
Answer: cancelled
3. How is the noun normally spelled in both varieties?
Answer: cancellation
Frequently asked questions
Is canceled or cancelled correct?
Both are correct. Canceled is preferred in American English; cancelled is preferred in British English.
How do Canadians spell cancelled?
Canadian English generally favors cancelled with two l’s, though house styles may vary.
Is it canceling or cancelling?
Canceling is standard American spelling, while cancelling is standard British spelling.
Why does cancellation have two l’s?
Cancellation conventionally keeps two l’s in both major varieties of English, regardless of canceled or cancelled.