ruin
ROO-ihn
Ruin (verb) means to destroy, spoil, or severely damage something so it no longer works or pleases. Example: “The heavy rain ruined the outdoor concert.”
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."
"Don't ruin the surprise by telling her what is inside the box."
noun
1
The remains of a destroyed or decayed structure.
"Tourists explored the ancient ruins of the castle."
"Moss and ivy covered the ruin at the edge of the field."
"After the storm, the barn was little more than a ruin."
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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- ruins
- Past tense
- ruined, ruint
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The heavy rain _____ the outdoor concert.
Etymology
From Old French ruine, from Latin ruina, "collapse," from ruere, "to fall or rush down."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for ruin
See all rhymes for ruin →Frequently asked questions
What does “ruin” mean?
The word “ruin” means to destroy, spoil, or severely damage something so it no longer works or pleases. In plain terms, to wreck something completely, or the wrecked remains left behind.
How do you pronounce “ruin”?
“Ruin” is pronounced ROO-ihn (/ˈɹuː.ɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “ruin” in a sentence?
Here is “ruin” used in a sentence: “The heavy rain ruined the outdoor concert.”
What part of speech is “ruin”?
Depending on how it is used, “ruin” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “ruin” come from?
The word “ruin” comes from Latin. From Old French ruine, from Latin ruina, "collapse," from ruere, "to fall or rush down.".
Is “ruin” a common word?
“Ruin” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “ruin” have?
“Ruin” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to destroy, spoil, or severely damage something so it no longer works or pleases.
What is the difference between 'ruin' and 'destroy'?
To ruin something is to spoil or severely damage it so it no longer works or pleases, though something may physically remain. To destroy is stronger, meaning to demolish or wipe out completely so little or nothing is left.
What is the difference between 'ruin' and 'ruins'?
The singular 'ruin' usually refers to the act or state of destruction, as in 'the company faced financial ruin.' The plural 'ruins' refers to the physical remains of a destroyed or decayed structure, as in 'the ruins of a castle.'
What is the difference between 'ruin' and 'spoil'?
Both mean to make something worse, but 'spoil' is often milder and can refer to small harm, as in 'the rain spoiled the picnic.' 'Ruin' is more severe, suggesting the thing is damaged beyond enjoyment or use.
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