Definition of Ruin
The word ruin refers to the state of being completely destroyed or severely damaged. It can be used both as a noun and a verb:
- As a noun, it denotes complete devastation, the remains of something destroyed, or financial disaster.
- As a verb, it means to cause severe harm, destruction, or irreversible damage to something or someone.
Synonyms for Ruin
Synonyms for “ruin” vary based on the intensity of the meaning. Below are categorized lists of synonyms:
Strongest Matches (Exact or Near-Exact Synonyms)
- Destruction
- Devastation
- Collapse
- Doom
- Obliteration
- Demise
- Catastrophe
- Annihilation
- Wreckage
- Disaster
Strong Matches (Closely Related Words)
- Decay
- Deterioration
- Dereliction
- Disrepair
- Fall
- Desolation
- Havoc
- Overthrow
- Undoing
- Vandalism
Weak Matches (Contextually Related Words)
- Breakdown
- Dissolution
- Regression
- Damage
- Neglect
- Erosion
- Waste
- Loss
- Shambles
- Disintegration
Example Sentences with Ruin
- The ancient castle now lies in ruins, a reminder of the once-great empire.
- The stock market crash led to his financial ruin.
- The storm ruined their wedding plans by flooding the venue.
- Years of neglect have left the old mansion in a state of ruin.
- A single mistake ruined his reputation in the industry.
Contextual Usage of Ruin
- Historical: “The ruins of Pompeii attract thousands of tourists annually.”
- Financial: “Gambling addiction led to his ultimate ruin.”
- Personal: “Lying to your friends can ruin your relationships.”
- Environmental: “Deforestation is slowly ruining the planet’s biodiversity.”
- Physical: “Her car was completely ruined after the accident.”
Related Words & Phrases
- Ruinous (adjective): Causing ruin; destructive.
- Example: “The war had a ruinous effect on the country’s economy.”
- Ruination (noun): The act of ruining; destruction.
- Example: “The ruination of the old factory was inevitable.”
- Ruinously (adverb): In a destructive or harmful manner.
- Example: “The company was ruinously mismanaged.”
- Remnants (noun): What remains after destruction or ruin.
- Example: “The remnants of the temple still stand tall.”
Additional Relevant Information
- Etymology: Derived from the Latin “ruina,” meaning “a downfall, collapse.”
- Common Idioms & Phrases:
- “In ruins” – Completely destroyed or in a state of severe disrepair.
- “Bring to ruin” – To destroy something completely.
- “Spell ruin for” – To be the cause of destruction.
Disclaimer
This page is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The meanings, synonyms, and related words listed here are based on linguistic research and contextual understanding. Please refer to a professional linguist or dictionary for precise definitions and usage. The information presented may not be exhaustive and should be interpreted with context in mind.
