definitions

riddance

[ rid-ns ]
/ ˈrɪd ns /
||

noun

the act or fact of clearing away or out, as anything undesirable.
relief or deliverance from something.

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Nearby words

rictal bristle, rictus, rid, rid of, ridable, riddance, ridden, riddle, riddled, ride, ride down

Idioms

    good riddance, a welcome relief or deliverance from something: He's gone, and good riddance!

Origin of riddance

First recorded in 1525–35; rid1 + -ance
SYNONYMS FOR riddance
1 ouster, clearance, dislodgment.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for good riddance

riddance

/ (ˈrɪdəns) /

noun

the act of getting rid of something undesirable or unpleasant; deliverance or removal (esp in the phrase good riddance)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for good riddance

riddance

n.

1530s, from rid + -ance. Good riddance, "a welcome relief from unpleasant company or an embarrassing connection" attested from 1650s (fair riddance in same sense from 1610s).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Idioms and Phrases with good riddance (1 of 2)

good riddance

Also, good riddance to bad rubbish. A welcome loss or departure. This expression is often used as an exclamation. For example, The principal has finally retired, and most of the teachers are saying, “Good riddance!” or When Jean decided to give up her violin her relieved family quietly said, “Good riddance to bad rubbish.”. [Late 1700s]

Idioms and Phrases with good riddance (2 of 2)

riddance

see good riddance.

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.