What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ravage
Example
The hurricane ravaged the coastal town, leaving behind a trail of destruction. [ravaged: past tense]
Example
The war ravaged the country, leaving many homeless and without basic necessities. [ravaging: present participle]
ruin
Example
The abandoned castle was in ruins, with only the walls and foundations remaining. [ruins: noun]
Example
His reckless behavior ruined his chances of getting the job. [ruined: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ruin is more commonly used than ravage in everyday language. Ruin is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ravage is less common and typically used in more extreme situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ravage and ruin?
Both ravage and ruin can be used in formal and informal contexts, but ravage may be perceived as more dramatic and intense, while ruin can be used in a more neutral or matter-of-fact tone.
