ruin

[ˈruːɪn]

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

Idioms Using ruin

  • to cause something to be completely destroyed or spoiled

    Example

    The storm made a ruin of the garden.

  • 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 a state of disrepair or destruction

    Example

    The old church was in ruins.

  • 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.

How do native speakers use this expression?