relieved

British  

/ rɪˈliːvd /

adjective

1. (postpositive; often foll by at, about, etc) experiencing relief, esp from worry or anxiety

2. mechanical engineering having part of the surface cut away to avoid friction or wear

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Explanation

Were you nervous about that math test because you didn't study hard enough? Well, you'll be relieved to learn that it's been canceled. You can relax! What a relief. Relieved is the adjective equivalent to the noun "relief." To get relief is to be relieved. At the supermarket, they might have a whole section devoted to pain-relievers. Got a headache? Take a couple and you'll likely be relieved of your pain. Interestingly, you can also use relieved to describe someone who's been fired or had their responsibilities taken away. After one too many unfunny shows, the clown was relieved of his duties: he had to hand in his little red nose.

Example Sentences

President Abraham Lincoln cycled through five commanding generals during the Civil War, and dozens of generals were retired or relieved of command during World War II.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

“We were both relieved we finished the story, but that’s within this really difficult, complicated, disturbing context,” Sheen said in an interview last year.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Anthony Sinclair, who is profoundly deaf, said he is relieved after campaigners like him "had to fight for such a long time" for the law.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

"We are relieved that the President and the First Lady are safe and strong," Netanyahu wrote on X.

From Barron's • Apr. 26, 2026

“Bill, bill, ad . . . ,” Chip flipped through the stack, sounding more relieved with each letter that wasn’t a plain envelope addressed to him, without a return address.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Related Words

• reassured
• relaxed
• satisfied