riddance

American  

[rid-ns] / ˈrɪd ns /

noun

1. the act or fact of clearing away or out, as anything undesirable.

   Synonyms:

   dislodgment, clearance, ouster

2. relief or deliverance from something.

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idioms

1. good riddance, a welcome relief or deliverance from something.

   He's gone, and good riddance!

riddance British  

/ ˈrɪdəns /

noun

1. the act of getting rid of something undesirable or unpleasant; deliverance or removal (esp in the phrase good riddance )

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riddance More Idioms  

1. see good riddance.

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Etymology

Origin of riddance

First recorded in 1525–35; rid ¹ + -ance

Explanation

Riddance is the act of getting rid of something. People say "Good riddance!" when they're happy someone or something is gone. When you're rid of something, it's gone. You're rid of a cold when it's over. Similarly, riddance is the action of getting rid of something. The police are dedicated to the riddance of crime. Librarians want riddance of noise so people can read. If you have bugs where you live, you're going to be interested in their riddance: they will have to be exterminated. Good riddance!

Example Sentences

Up until those moments, Scotland were in mortal danger of being sent on their way with a collective shrug from the Tartan Army, a goodbye and good riddance message as they prepared for departure.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

Thus, to the “tyranny”—to the “dead hand”—of gold, he says good riddance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, I keep hearing the same thing: Good riddance.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2025

"Good riddance," he wrote in a two-word statement accompanying the Fed's decision to bin the 2023 guidelines -- a marked contrast to the lengthier statements of his colleagues.

From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025

“She hasn’t come back. Good riddance to bad luck, I say.”

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss