Cancelled vs. Postponed: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on April 9, 2024
"Cancelled" means an event or action won't occur, while "postponed" means it's delayed to a later time or date.
Difference Between Cancelled and Postponed
Cancelled and postponed both address disruptions to scheduled events or actions. When something is cancelled, it indicates a termination, implying the event or action will not take place at all. On the other hand, when something is postponed, it's merely being delayed or rescheduled to a later time, ensuring it will still occur.
Muazma Batool
Apr 09, 2024
Consider a concert. If it's cancelled, ticket holders won't experience the event they anticipated. They may receive refunds or other compensations, but they miss out on the event. If the concert is postponed, the attendees can expect it to happen at a later date. They might have to adjust their schedules, but the anticipation remains.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 09, 2024
In a broader context, cancelled can mean a termination of a decision, project, or intent. This could be due to various reasons like budget cuts, lack of interest, or external factors. Meanwhile, postponed suggests there's intent to resume or implement the decision, project, or action when circumstances are more favorable.
Muazma Batool
Apr 09, 2024
Linguistically, both terms function primarily as verbs and can also be used as adjectives. Yet, their implications diverge significantly. Something that's cancelled brings with it a sense of finality, while postponed leaves room for hope, indicating a mere delay.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 09, 2024
In essence, cancelled and postponed serve as indicators of disruptions. While cancellation signifies an end, postponement offers a future possibility.
Levi
Apr 09, 2024
Cancelled vs. Postponed Comparison Chart
Definition
Decision to terminate an event or action.
Decision to delay an event or action to a later time.
Muazma Batool
Apr 09, 2024
Grammatical Function
Functions primarily as verb and adjective.
Functions primarily as verb and adjective.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 09, 2024
Outcome
Event or action will not occur.
Event or action will occur, but at a different time.
Muazma Batool
Apr 09, 2024
Emotional Connotation
Might bring disappointment.
Offers hope, suggesting a mere rescheduling.
Muazma Batool
Apr 09, 2024
Cancelled vs. Postponed Definitions
◉Cancelled
Ended or terminated a scheduled program.
The TV show was cancelled after one season.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
◉Postponed
Set aside for consideration at a later date.
The proposal was postponed for further review.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
◉Cancelled
Stopped something from taking effect.
The policy was cancelled after the new regulations.
Henry
Sep 16, 2023
◉Postponed
Rescheduled an event or action to a later time.
The meeting was postponed to next week.
Leo
Sep 16, 2023
◉Postponed
Caused to occur at a later time than originally planned.
The exam was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.
Jonathan
Sep 16, 2023
◉Cancelled
To decide or announce that (a planned or scheduled event) will not take place, especially with no intention of holding it at a later time
cancel a picnic.
cancel a soccer game.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Postponed
Deferred or delayed a decision or action.
He postponed his trip until things settled down.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
◉Postponed
Delayed or put off an action or event.
The launch was postponed due to technical issues.
Jonathan
Sep 16, 2023
◉Cancelled
To mark or perforate (a postage stamp or check, for example) to indicate that it may not be used again.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Postponed
To cause or arrange for (an event) to take place at a time later than the time at which it was originally supposed to happen.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cancelled
To neutralize or equalize; offset
Today's decline in stock price canceled out yesterday's gain.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cancelled
To remove (a common factor) from the numerator and denominator of a fractional expression.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cancelled
To remove (a common factor or term) from both sides of an equation or inequality.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cancelled
To neutralize one another; counterbalance
two opposing forces that canceled out.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cancelled
simple past tense and past participle of cancel
The game was cancelled because of snow on the field.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cancelled
No longer planned or scheduled.
The cancelled show would have drawn 5,000 fans.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cancelled
(of a mail item) Marked over the stamp, to show that the stamp has been used.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cancelled
(of events) no longer planned or scheduled;
the wedding is definitely off
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cancelled
Decided against conducting an event or action.
The flight was cancelled due to bad weather.
Leo
Sep 16, 2023
◉Cancelled
Terminated an agreement or contract.
She cancelled her gym membership.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
◉Cancelled
Nullified or invalidated something.
His passport was cancelled after the incident.
Olivia
Sep 16, 2023
Cancelled vs. Postponed Frequently Asked Questions
Does cancelled mean it will never happen?
Typically, cancelled implies it won't occur at the scheduled time and might not be rescheduled.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 09, 2024
Is a postponed flight a cause for concern?
A postponed flight is rescheduled, so passengers can still travel, albeit at a later time.
Leo
Apr 09, 2024
Which term has a more negative connotation?
Cancelled often carries a more negative connotation as it implies finality.
Levi
Apr 09, 2024
If a show is cancelled, will it return?
Typically, a cancelled show won't return, but there can be exceptions.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 09, 2024
Can a postponed event eventually be cancelled?
Yes, an event that's initially postponed can later be cancelled.
Muazma Batool
Apr 09, 2024
Can a decision be postponed?
Yes, decisions can be postponed for later consideration.
Nolan
Apr 09, 2024
If a product launch is cancelled, what does that mean?
It means the product won't be launched as initially planned.
Leo
Apr 09, 2024
Is there hope after something is postponed?
Yes, postponement suggests a delay, not an end.
Muazma Batool
Apr 09, 2024
Do both terms require rescheduling?
Only postponed typically requires rescheduling, while cancelled does not.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 09, 2024
Which term indicates a longer wait?
Postponed implies a delay and potentially a longer wait, while cancelled suggests no future occurrence.
Jonathan
Apr 09, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
