Ruin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Ruin" is correct and usable in written English, but it is incomplete as it stands alone.
You can use it when referring to the act of causing destruction or damage to something, typically in a figurative sense. Example: "The constant delays and mismanagement could ruin the project's chances of success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A tiny minority of Muslim scholars have recently suggested a prior Muslim presence in the Americas, although no pre-Columbian ruin of an Islamic structure has ever been found.

The Guardian

While good music cannot save a bad film, "even bad music" cannot ruin a good film, he said.

The Guardian - Music

Not content with a clamping spree after the tax disc changes, the DVLA might be about to ruin the first few days of your holiday, too.

The Guardian - Money

While it is uncommon for divorced men to send flowers to an ex-wife, Newt owes the former Mrs Gingrich a big "thank you" after her strategically-timed interview with ABC, intended to ruin his candidacy, backfired.

The Guardian - Opinion

No 40: Alison Uttley's A Traveller in Time (1939) I do frequently feel that the modern world is conspiring to ruin not just my current pleasures (drinking, chocolate, eating pesticides) but also remembered ones too.

The Guardian - Books

This weekend the Briton faces the prospect of financial ruin following the shattering news that the proceeds from her house sale – €181,000 (£155,000) – will remain frozen in the Bank of Cyprus as a result of capital controls enforced to contain the crisis.

The Guardian

There's a preponderance of bad-faith arguers launching tiresome straw-man attacks, sure, but even the well-meaning can ruin a conversation by barging in demanding answers to basic questions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many investors will have died in the 20 years since Polly Peck plummeted from the FTSE 100 to ruin faster, and rather less predictably, than Icarus.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It will ruin it for her; they do everything together.

The Guardian - Music

Granada rallied to ruin Deportivo's return to the top flight on a night when neither goalkeeper had a good day.

The Guardian - Sport

For example, Greek peach farmers face ruin as their produce rots at the roadside.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ruin" as a verb, ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being destroyed or spoiled. For example, "The scandal could ruin his reputation."

Common error

Avoid using "ruin" when a less severe term like "damage" or "spoil" would be more appropriate. "Ruin" implies a significant and often irreparable level of destruction.

Linguistic Context

The word "ruin" primarily functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the state of destruction or the remains of something destroyed. As a verb, it signifies the act of causing something to be destroyed or spoiled. Ludwig provides examples illustrating both functions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "ruin" functions as both a noun and a verb, denoting destruction, decay, or the act of spoiling something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears "Very common" in the English language, particularly within News & Media. When using "ruin", ensure you accurately convey the degree of destruction intended, avoiding overuse in situations where milder terms would suffice. Remember that "in ruins" refers to physical remains, while "in ruin" is a more general state. Consider synonyms like "destruction" or "decay" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Destruction

Focuses more directly on the act of destroying something.

Decay

Implies a gradual decline or deterioration.

Collapse

Suggests a sudden and dramatic failure or breakdown.

Downfall

Emphasizes the loss of power, status, or fortune.

Devastation

Highlights the widespread damage and suffering caused.

Wreckage

Refers to the physical remains of something that has been destroyed.

Fragmentation

Suggests breaking apart into smaller pieces.

Annihilation

Implies complete and utter destruction.

Subversion

Highlights undermining or overturning established systems.

Demolition

Refers to the act of intentionally destroying a building or structure.

FAQs

How can I use "ruin" in a sentence?

You can use "ruin" as a verb, meaning to destroy or spoil something, or as a noun, referring to the state of being destroyed or the remains of something. For example, "The flood could "ruin" the crops" or "The castle is now a "ruin"".

What are some synonyms for the verb "ruin"?

Some synonyms for the verb "ruin" include "destroy", "spoil", "wreck", and "devastate". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "ruin" and "damage"?

"Ruin" implies a more complete or irreparable destruction than "damage". "Damage" suggests harm that can potentially be repaired, while "ruin" often suggests a point of no return.

Is it correct to say something is "in ruin" or "in ruins"?

Both are correct, but "in ruins" is more common. "In ruin" usually refers to a more general state of destruction, while "in ruins" specifically refers to the physical remains of something that has been destroyed.