WordGarden.ioruin
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈuːɪn/
US
- /ˈruən/
Meanings
Verb
to spoil, wreck, or badly damage something
Noun
the remains of a destroyed old building, city, or monument
complete downfall, destruction, or financial collapse
Beyond the definition
To ruin something is to damage it so severely that it loses its value, beauty, or function. Ancient Roman ruins stand as weathered, crumbling reminders of a once-great empire. But the word isn't just for history; you can also ruin a surprise party by accidentally letting the secret slip to the guest of honor! Whether physical or abstract, the word implies a significant and often irreversible loss.
Think of a majestic castle falling into disrepair over centuries—that is a ruin. On a smaller scale, imagine a sudden rainstorm soaking a picnic; that downpour could ruin your afternoon plans. The word is versatile, acting as both a verb (to destroy) and a noun (the remains of something destroyed). It captures the spectrum of loss, from the tragic collapse of a civilization to the simple frustration of a spoiled moment.
The word "ruin" carries a heavy weight of destruction and decay. As a noun, it often refers to the physical remains of the past—the majestic, skeletal shells of ancient cities or abandoned manors. These "ruins" are often viewed as picturesque or haunting, yet they serve as stark evidence of a former state of wholeness that has been lost to time or violence.
Beyond the physical realm, "ruin" describes the total collapse of a person's life, reputation, or plans. To "bring someone to ruin" suggests a devastating downfall, often financial or social. For example, a single reckless decision might ruin a hard-earned career, or a long-standing conflict might ruin a friendship. In these contexts, the word emphasizes the finality of the damage.
Interestingly, "ruin" also has a lighter, more colloquial side. In daily conversation, we often use it to describe minor disappointments. You might jokingly say a friend ruined a movie by revealing the ending, or that a bit of salt ruined a soup. This highlights the word's unique range: it is equally at home describing the tragic fall of an empire as it is describing the small mishaps of everyday life. Whether referring to crumbling stone, shattered dreams, or a spoiled evening, "ruin" always points to the remnants of what once was.
Examples
- 1
Picnic plans
The rain ruined our picnic, so we ate lunch in the car.
- 2
Surprise
Please don't tell Maya about the party yet. You'll ruin the surprise.
- 3
Friendship
One careless comment can ruin a friendship.
- 4
Reputation
The false story almost ruined his reputation.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Financial collapse
He was ruined financially after his business failed.
- 6
Changed standards
That bakery has ruined supermarket bread for me.
- Patternruin X for someone
make the ordinary version seem much worse
- 7
Ancient city
Tourists come here to see the ruins of the ancient city.
- 8
War damage
By the end of the war, much of the town lay in ruins.
- Phrasein ruins
badly damaged or destroyed
- 9
Neglect
Without regular repairs, the building will go to ruin.
- Phrasego to ruin
become badly damaged because nobody takes care of it
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- ruinnounverb
Forms
- ruinedpast tenseverbnoun
- ruinspluralnounverb
- ruining-ing formverbnoun