Definition

Noun: 1. The act of removing or getting rid of something unwanted: The action of eliminating or freeing oneself from an undesirable person, thing, or situation. 2. The act of forcing out someone or something: The ejection or expulsion of a person or entity.

Usage

• "Riddance" is most commonly used in the fixed phrase "good riddance", which expresses relief that someone or something unwanted has left or been removed. It is rarely used in other contexts.
• It is an uncountable noun.

Examples

• General Use:
  • The riddance of the old machinery made space for new equipment.
  • The community celebrated the riddance of the hazardous waste dump.
• In the phrase "good riddance":
  • He was a terrible tenant, so when he moved out, we all said, "Good riddance!"
  • I finally deleted that annoying app from my phone. Good riddance to it!

Advanced Usage

• "Good riddance to bad rubbish": An emphatic variant of "good riddance," expressing even stronger contempt or relief at being free of something worthless or unpleasant.
  • After the corrupt official was fired, the newspaper headline read, "Good riddance to bad rubbish."

Variants and Related Words

• Rid (verb): To free someone or something from an unwanted person or thing. Often used in the phrase "to get rid of."
  • We need to get rid of these old files.

Synonyms

• Removal: The act of taking something away.
• Clearance: The removal of obstructions or unwanted items.
• Elimination: The complete removal or destruction of something.
• Expulsion: The action of forcing someone to leave a place.
• Ejection: The act of forcing or throwing someone out.

Idioms and Phrases

• Good riddance: An expression of relief that someone or something unwanted has gone.
  • She finally quit the committee. Good riddance! We'll be much more productive now.

Noun

1. the act of forcing out someone or something
   • the ejection of troublemakers by the police
   • the child's expulsion from school
2. the act of removing or getting rid of something