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."
inseparable
get rid of
A2 informal inseparable transitive
To eliminate, discard, or free yourself from something or someone unwanted
In plain English
To make something go away that you don't want anymore — by throwing it away, giving it away, or ending it
What does "get rid of" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
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."
inseparable
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "get rid of"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
clutter habit problem pests employee cold debt
How to conjugate "get rid of"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "get rid of" in the wild
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Other ways to say "get rid of"
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