good riddance
Meaning
An expression of relief that someone or something unpleasant is gone.
Origin
From the sense of “riddance” meaning “removal; getting rid of something,” used as an exclamation to show relief. The phrase is recorded in English from the 19th century and became common in everyday speech.
Notes
Often sounds harsh or dismissive; typically said about someone after they’ve left, not to their face. Can also apply to unwanted situations or problems ending.
Examples
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When he finally quit the team after months of drama, everyone thought, "Good riddance."
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I deleted that buggy app from my phone—good riddance to constant crashes.
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She walked out of the meeting after insulting everyone, and honestly, good riddance.
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Good riddance to 2020; I’m ready for a fresh start.
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He’s moving out next week, and I have to admit I feel a bit of good riddance.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually a fixed exclamation: “Good riddance!” Can take “to” + noun/pronoun: “Good riddance to him/her/it/the whole thing.” Rarely inflected; not used as a regular verb phrase.
Synonyms
- goodbye and good riddance
- good riddance to bad rubbish
- good thing they're gone
Antonyms
- welcome
- good to have you
- glad you’re here