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get rid of

A2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words

To make something go away that you don't want anymore — by throwing it away, giving it away, or ending it

Meanings

1 A2 informal

To discard or dispose of an unwanted object

"We got rid of all the old furniture before moving into the new apartment."

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 idiomatic informal

To eliminate a problem, habit, feeling, or anything causing difficulty

"I've been trying to get rid of this cough for two weeks — it just won't go away."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal

To dismiss someone from a job or make someone leave an unwanted situation

"The new manager was determined to get rid of everyone who wasn't performing well."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

One of the most versatile and frequently used phrasal verbs in English. Can refer to physical objects, people, habits, feelings, or problems. Always followed by 'of'. Slightly informal but acceptable in most spoken contexts.

Commonly used with

clutter habit problem pests employee cold debt

Forms

Base
get rid of
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets rid of
he/she/it
Past simple
got rid of
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten rid of
have + pp
-ing form
getting rid of
continuous

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Synonyms

eliminate remove discard dispose of throw out do away with clear out

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