# cancel out

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cancel-out
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to stop something from having an effect by doing something else that has the opposite result.

For teachers: to neutralize or negate the effect of something by providing an opposing force or value; often used in contexts of mathematics, physics, or balanced outcomes.

## Examples

- The two teams' scores cancel out each other.
- The extra money I earned was cancelled out by the high cost of the hotel.
- The benefits of the new policy were unfortunately cancelled out by the unforeseen rise in administrative costs and logistical delays.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The costs cancelled out of the profits." but "The costs cancelled out the profits." — the verb is transitive and does not require the preposition 'of' before the object.

## Usage notes

- often used when two opposing things are equal in strength or value.
- Teaching tip: use a visual of a balanced scale to explain how one side 'removes' the weight of the other; contrast with 'delete' or 'erase' which do not require an opposing force.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.