WordGarden.ioriddance
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈɪdəns/
US
- /ˈrɪdəns/
Meanings
Noun
the getting rid of someone or something unwanted, especially in "good riddance"
Beyond the definition
"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.
Examples
- 1
Unwelcome people
When the noisy neighbors finally moved out, everyone in the building said, "Good riddance."
- Phrasegood riddance
said when you are glad someone or something is gone
- 2
Work frustration
After months of delays and rude emails, it felt like good riddance when the client canceled the project.
- 3
Getting rid of things
"Good riddance to that old sofa," Maya said as the movers carried it away.
- Patterngood riddance to + person/thing
relief that you no longer have them or it
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- good riddance
- good riddance to bad rubbish
- riddance of
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- riddancenoun