verb
ruin
ROO-ihn
verb
1
To destroy, spoil, or severely damage something so it no longer works or pleases.
"The heavy rain ruined the outdoor concert."
"One bad decision nearly ruined his career."
noun
1
The remains of a destroyed or decayed structure.
"Tourists explored the ancient ruins of the castle."
How to Use Ruin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo wreck something completely, or the wrecked remains left behind.
Common pairings
ruin a surprise
financial ruin
in ruins
ancient ruins
Word Forms
ruined past tense, ruint past tense, ruins singular
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The heavy rain _____ the outdoor concert.
Etymology
From Old French ruine, from Latin ruina, "collapse," from ruere, "to fall or rush down."