riddance
Americannoun
-
the act or fact of clearing away or out, as anything undesirable.
- Synonyms:
- dislodgment, clearance, ouster
-
relief or deliverance from something.
idioms
noun
Etymology
Origin of riddance
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!
Vocabulary lists containing riddance
Copper Sun
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"Terrible Things"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
It is not uncommon for an orchestra to say good riddance to an outgoing conductor, indicating it is time for something new and different.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 26, 2026
Thus, to the “tyranny”—to the “dead hand”—of gold, he says good riddance.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 12, 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
As she carried it to the door both of them called after her, ‘Good riddance!’
From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
