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Delete Key Results in ClickUp

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How to Delete a Key Result in ClickUp via API

This step-by-step guide explains how to delete a key result in ClickUp using the official Key Results API endpoint, including required parameters, headers, and expected responses.

Understanding the ClickUp Key Result Delete Endpoint

The deletion of a key result is handled by a dedicated ClickUp API endpoint. It allows you to permanently remove an existing key result from an objective in your workspace.

The endpoint is a RESTful DELETE request with the following pattern:

DELETE https://api.clickup.com/api/v2/key_result/{key_result_id}

This operation is destructive. Once the request succeeds, the specified item is removed and no response body is returned.

Prerequisites for Using the ClickUp API

Before calling this endpoint, you must have:

  • An active ClickUp workspace.
  • A valid ClickUp API token with permission to manage objectives and key results.
  • The unique identifier of the key result you intend to delete.

The API token is supplied as a header, and the key result identifier is supplied as a path parameter.

Required Path Parameter in ClickUp API

The delete operation requires one path parameter embedded in the URL:

  • key_result_id — The unique string ID of the key result you want to delete.

Replace {key_result_id} in the endpoint path with the actual value. For example, if your identifier is abc123, the final URL is:

https://api.clickup.com/api/v2/key_result/abc123

Required Headers for ClickUp Key Result Deletion

The ClickUp API expects a specific authorization header on each request. Without this header, the request will be rejected.

  • Authorization: Your personal API token.

Example header:

Authorization: <your_clickup_api_token>

No request body is needed for this operation. Only the method, URL, and header are required.

Step-by-Step: Delete a Key Result in ClickUp

Follow these steps to remove a key result by using the endpoint from the official documentation at ClickUp API reference.

Step 1: Locate the Key Result ID in ClickUp

First, identify the key result you want to delete. You can obtain its ID by:

  • Retrieving it from prior API responses that list objectives and key results.
  • Referencing internal tooling or integrations that store key result identifiers for your ClickUp workspace.

Record this ID accurately; a mistake here could cause you to delete the wrong item.

Step 2: Prepare Your ClickUp API Token

Next, ensure your ClickUp API token is ready. This token must have sufficient permissions to update objectives and manage their key results.

Store the token securely and never embed it directly in public repositories or client-side applications.

Step 3: Build the DELETE Request

You can send the request with tools like curl, Postman, or any HTTP client in your preferred language. The basic structure is:

DELETE https://api.clickup.com/api/v2/key_result/{key_result_id}
Authorization: <your_clickup_api_token>

Using curl, the call might look like:

curl -X DELETE \
  -H "Authorization: <your_clickup_api_token>" \
  https://api.clickup.com/api/v2/key_result/{key_result_id}

Replace the placeholder token and identifier with real values from your ClickUp workspace.

Step 4: Send the Request to ClickUp

Once the URL and headers are configured, execute the request. The server processes the deletion and returns the appropriate HTTP status code. No JSON body is returned when the operation is successful.

Interpreting ClickUp API Response Codes

Understanding the status codes helps you validate whether your request to delete a key result completed correctly.

  • 200 OK — The key result was successfully deleted. The response body is empty.
  • 401 Unauthorized — The authorization header is missing, invalid, or the token does not have the required access in ClickUp.
  • 404 Not Found — The key result ID does not exist or cannot be found within your workspace.

Handle these responses in your integration, logging errors and exposing clear messages where appropriate.

Best Practices for Managing Key Results in ClickUp

Because the delete endpoint is irreversible, you should plan a careful workflow before removing elements from your ClickUp objectives.

  • Audit before deletion — Confirm that the key result is no longer needed and that stakeholders understand it will be removed.
  • Log deleted IDs — Keep an internal record of key result identifiers that have been deleted for audit and troubleshooting.
  • Use non-production environments — Test your ClickUp API integration against a staging or test workspace whenever possible.
  • Validate permissions — Ensure your token is scoped appropriately and rotated regularly as part of your security practice.

Common Issues When Deleting Key Results in ClickUp

When working with this ClickUp endpoint, teams often encounter several recurring challenges.

Incorrect Key Result ID

An invalid or mistyped identifier will return a 404 response. Verify the ID from earlier API calls or from your internal database before sending the request.

Missing or Invalid Authorization for ClickUp

If the Authorization header is missing or malformed, the API responds with 401 Unauthorized. Ensure you are passing the exact token string provided by ClickUp, without extra spaces or characters.

Network or Environment Misconfiguration

Ensure that your server or local environment can reach the base URL used by the ClickUp API and that no firewall rules are blocking outbound requests.

Integrating ClickUp Deletion into Your Workflows

The delete key result endpoint can be incorporated into broader automation around objectives management in ClickUp. For example, you might:

  • Clean up obsolete key results when objectives are closed.
  • Remove incorrectly created records as part of a validation workflow.
  • Trigger deletion based on custom business logic within an internal system.

For advanced integration design, consulting specialized API and workflow experts such as Consultevo can help you build scalable automation around ClickUp data.

Where to Learn More About the ClickUp API

For full technical details, including any recent changes or additional examples, refer to the official documentation for the delete key result endpoint at ClickUp Developer Docs. Always rely on the official reference for the most accurate and current parameter requirements and behavior.

By following the steps and best practices in this guide, you can safely and reliably delete key results in your ClickUp workspace through the API, keeping your objectives organized and your automation flows clean.

Need Help With ClickUp?

If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your ClickUp workspace, work with ConsultEvo — trusted ClickUp Solution Partners.

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