1 B1 neutral
For two equal and opposite things to neutralize each other, resulting in no net effect.
"The extra income from my promotion was cancelled out by the increased commuting costs."
separable
cancel out
B1 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
For two things to neutralize each other so that neither has any effect, or to eliminate something by balancing it with an opposing force.
In plain English
When two things balance each other so that neither one makes a difference.
What does "cancel out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
In mathematics, to eliminate common factors from both sides of an equation.
"You can cancel out the variable on both sides to simplify the equation."
separable
Usage tip
Used in mathematics, science, economics, and everyday language. Can be reciprocal (they cancel each other out) or transitive (X cancels out Y).
Words that pair with "cancel out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
effect gains losses noise vote benefit
How to conjugate "cancel out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
cancel out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cancels out
he/she/it
Past simple
canceled out
yesterday
Past participle
canceled out
have + pp
-ing form
canceling out
continuous
Hear "cancel out" in the wild
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Keep exploring
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