the remains of a building, city, etc. that has been destroyed or is in disrepair, the state of being completely destroyed or spoiled, to cause something to be completely destroyed or spoiled

make a ruin of something, fall into ruin, be on the road to ruin

in ruins, go to ruin, ruin someone's life

Formal and Informal Expressions of ruin

In different contexts, you can replace 'ruin' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'destruction, demolition' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'mess up, screw up' is a commonplace synonym.

ruin: Explore its Definition & Usage

ruin Definition

1the remains of a building, city, etc. that has been destroyed or is in disrepair
2the state of being completely destroyed or spoiled
3to cause something to be completely destroyed or spoiled

Using ruin: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ruin" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The castle is now a ruin.
Example
The earthquake left the city in ruins.
Example
The bad weather ruined our picnic.
Example
He ruined his chances of getting the job by being late for the interview.

ruin Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for ruin

devastation
decay
destruction
wreckage
demolition

Antonyms for ruin

Idioms Using ruin

make a ruin of something
to cause something to be completely destroyed or spoiled
Example
The storm made a ruin of the garden.
fall into ruin
to gradually become destroyed or spoiled over time
Example
The old mansion fell into ruin after the family moved away.
be on the road to ruin
to be heading towards complete destruction or failure
Example
If we don't make changes soon, our company will be on the road to ruin.

Phrases with ruin

in ruins
in a state of disrepair or destruction
Example
The old church was in ruins.
go to ruin
to become destroyed or spoiled over time
Example
The abandoned house went to ruin.
ruin someone's life
to cause someone to experience great sadness, loss, or failure
Example
His addiction to drugs ruined his life.

Origins of ruin

from Latin 'ruina', meaning 'a falling down'

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Summary: ruin in Brief

The term 'ruin' [ˈruːɪn] refers to the remains of a destroyed or disrepaired building or city, or the state of being completely destroyed or spoiled. It can also mean to cause something to be completely destroyed or spoiled. Examples include 'The castle is now a ruin,' and 'The bad weather ruined our picnic.' Phrases like 'in ruins' and idioms like 'make a ruin of something' further illustrate the concept of destruction.