Meaning & use

ruin

noun·Everyday

Last updated

The physical destruction or collapse of something, or the remains of a building or structure that has decayed or been destroyed.

See it in a sentence

The ancient ruin drew thousands of tourists each year.

Years of neglect led the estate to fall into ruin.

A note on using this word

As a verb, 'to ruin' means to damage something so severely that it can no longer be used or valued.

Words with a similar meaning

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Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. verb

To damage or spoil something completely.

The spilled coffee ruined her white blouse.

Make it your own

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