cancel an appointment
/ˈkænsəl ən əˈpɔɪntmənt/
Meaning
This phrase means to decide that a previously scheduled meeting, consultation, or visit will not take place. It is a very common expression used in professional, medical, and personal contexts. When doing this, it is usually polite to give as much advance notice as possible.
Examples
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I need to cancel my appointment with the dentist because of an emergency.
I need to cancel my appointment with the dentist because of an emergency.
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If you must cancel an appointment, please let us know 24 hours in advance.
If you must cancel an appointment, please let us know 24 hours in advance.
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She had to cancel her appointment with the lawyer due to a scheduling conflict.
She had to cancel her appointment with the lawyer due to a scheduling conflict.
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It is very rude to cancel an appointment at the very last minute.
It is very rude to cancel an appointment at the very last minute.
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He called the clinic to cancel his afternoon appointment and reschedule it for Friday.
He called the clinic to cancel his afternoon appointment and reschedule it for Friday.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I want to delete my appointment for tomorrow.
✓ I want to cancel my appointment for tomorrow.
You 'delete' digital files, emails, or data, but you 'cancel' scheduled events, meetings, or appointments.
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✗ She broke her appointment with the doctor.
✓ She canceled her appointment with the doctor.
'Break an appointment' sounds like you just didn't show up, whereas 'cancel' means you actively notified them that you cannot make it.
Related Expressions
Practice
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It is clinic policy that if you ___, you must pay a small fee.
💡 To call off a scheduled meeting.
Show answer
cancel an appointment
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I need to call the garage and ___ for my car service.
💡 Stop a scheduled meeting from happening (use 'my').
Show answer
cancel my appointment