What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ravaged
Example
The town was ravaged by the tornado, leaving many homes destroyed. [ravaged: past participle]
Example
The war ravaged the country, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair. [ravaged: verb]
ruined
Example
The old castle was ruined and abandoned, with only ruins remaining. [ruined: adjective]
Example
The company was ruined by the scandal, leading to bankruptcy and closure. [ruined: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ruined is more commonly used than ravaged in everyday language. Ruined is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ravaged is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ravaged and ruined?
Both ravaged and ruined can be used in formal and informal contexts, but ravaged may be more associated with a dramatic or emotional tone, while ruined can be more neutral or factual.
