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Ruin - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Ruin means the physical destruction or severe damage of something, such as a building, or the complete loss of success, value, or happiness. It can also refer to the remains of a destroyed structure. Example: The storm caused the ruin of the old castle.

ruin

/ˈruːɪn/ /ˈruːɪn/

Definition:

The destruction or collapse of something, often leading to its complete downfall.

Synonyms:

destruction, devastation, wreckage, downfall

Part of Speech:

noun, verb

Antonyms:

prosperity, success

Common Collocations:

financial ruin, bring to ruin, in ruins, ruin someone's reputation

Derivatives:

ruined, ruining

Usage Tips:

Use "ruin" as a noun for physical destruction or as a verb meaning to cause such damage.

Common Phrases:

go to rack and ruin, ruin one's chances, in ruins

Etymology:

From Old French "ruine," from Latin "ruina," meaning "a collapse" or "a falling down."

Examples:

  • 1. The storm left the village in ruin.
  • 2. Gambling can ruin a person's finances quickly.
  • 3. The ancient castle is now a picturesque ruin.
  • 4. Don't let one mistake ruin your day.

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