riddance

"Good riddance!" is what you might shout after finally shaking off a troublesome problem or an unwelcome person. It expresses relief and satisfaction at being free from something annoying, harmful, or simply undesirable. Think of it as happily waving goodbye to something you don't want around anymore. You wouldn't say "good riddance" to something you like! The phrase implies that the thing departing won't be missed at all.

The word itself comes from old roots meaning "to clear away" or "to empty." It carries a sharp, even gleeful tone. It is not just about something leaving, but about enjoying the fact that it is gone. A character might cry "Good riddance!" when a villain is finally defeated, or when a long, frustrating project is at last over.

"Riddance" isn't simply about removal; it's about the feeling that accompanies it—relief, satisfaction, and often, a total lack of regret. It's most commonly used in the phrase "Good riddance!", which expresses joy at being free from something unwanted or troublesome. For example: "The storm finally passed and the sun came out—good riddance to the rain!"

While "riddance" is a noun, in modern English it is used mainly in the fixed phrase "good riddance." People do not often use it by itself in everyday speech. The focus is usually not on the act of removal alone, but on the strong feeling of relief that comes with it. If someone says, "Good riddance," they mean that the person or thing leaving was unwanted and will not be missed.

It's important to note that "riddance" carries a negative connotation toward the object being removed. It implies that whatever is being gotten rid of wasn't valued or appreciated. You would never say "good riddance" to something you cherish! The tone is often pointed, even a little bit sassy. So, whether it's a troublesome neighbor, a broken appliance, or an irritating habit, "riddance" captures the feeling of joyful liberation when something unwanted finally disappears from your life—and you're perfectly happy to see it go.