ruin

[ˈruːɪn]

ruin Definition

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

• construction
• building
• improvement

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.