Cancel out
verb
To neutralize or nullify something by being equal in force or effect.
The two teams were so well-matched that their strengths canceled each other out.
Often appears as...
- cancel each other out
- cancel out the effect
verb
To remove or erase something by crossing out or drawing a line through it.
I canceled out the wrong answers on the test paper before handing it in.
Often appears as...
- cancel out the mistakes
- cancel out the error
verb
In mathematics, to remove a factor from an equation because it appears both in the numerator and the denominator.
In the fraction 2/4, the 2s cancel out and we are left with just 1/2.
Often appears as...
- cancel out in division
- cancel out in fraction
Usage tips
Academic
verb
To neutralize or nullify something by being equal in force or effect.
The two teams were so well-matched that their strengths canceled each other out.
Often appears as...
- cancel each other out
- cancel out the effect
verb
To remove or erase something by crossing out or drawing a line through it.
I canceled out the wrong answers on the test paper before handing it in.
Often appears as...
- cancel out the mistakes
- cancel out the error
verb
In mathematics, to remove a factor from an equation because it appears both in the numerator and the denominator.
In the fraction 2/4, the 2s cancel out and we are left with just 1/2.
Often appears as...
- cancel out in division
- cancel out in fraction
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Balancing Act
Used when two or more things have equal and opposite effects, making them ineffective.
Her advantage in speed canceled out his experience.
Pro Tip 2/3Opposing Forces
Think of it as two strong wrestlers holding each other without movement.
Their arguments canceled out, leading to a stalemate.
Pro Tip 3/3No Net Change
The concept implies that the end result remains unchanged despite action from opposing sides.
The benefits and drawbacks of the plan canceled each other out.
Pro Tip 1/3Balancing Act
Used when two or more things have equal and opposite effects, making them ineffective.
Her advantage in speed canceled out his experience.
Pro Tip 2/3Opposing Forces
Think of it as two strong wrestlers holding each other without movement.
Their arguments canceled out, leading to a stalemate.
Pro Tip 3/3No Net Change
The concept implies that the end result remains unchanged despite action from opposing sides.
The benefits and drawbacks of the plan canceled each other out.
Pro Tip 1/3Balancing Act
Used when two or more things have equal and opposite effects, making them ineffective.
Her advantage in speed canceled out his experience.
Pro Tip 2/3Opposing Forces
Think of it as two strong wrestlers holding each other without movement.
Their arguments canceled out, leading to a stalemate.
Pro Tip 3/3No Net Change
The concept implies that the end result remains unchanged despite action from opposing sides.
The benefits and drawbacks of the plan canceled each other out.
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