canceled

Canceled is the past tense and past participle of the verb cancel. In American English, canceled is the standard spelling, while British and many Commonwealth varieties prefer cancelled. The term describes the termination, suspension, or annulment of something that was planned, scheduled, or underway.

Common uses include flights, events, appointments, orders, subscriptions, licenses, permits, or payments that have been called off or invalidated. It can also describe the status of items that are no longer active, such as a canceled check or a canceled contract.

In contemporary discourse, the phrase cancel culture refers to the practice of withdrawing support or opportunities from individuals or organizations perceived to have acted objectionably. Supporters often frame it as accountability for harmful conduct, while critics argue that it can be punitive, disproportionate, or affect free expression. Discussions around cancel culture frequently address due process, proportionality, and the social role of online platforms in public disputes.

Notes on usage and style: the choice between canceled and cancelled follows regional conventions. In technical writing, terms like cancellation or cancelation may appear, depending on the preferred spelling and context. Regardless of spelling, the core meaning remains the termination or negation of a planned or existing action.