a ruinous consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a ruinous consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a result or outcome that is extremely damaging or destructive. Example: "The decision to ignore the warnings led to a ruinous consequence for the entire community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Norway imposes a ruinous import levy on cars with big engines.

Forbes

A program called diversion was supposed to spare low-level offenders the ruinous consequences of a criminal record.

The New York Times

Three tickets, of course, could have ruinous consequences for a resident who was poor.

The New Yorker

The death or bankruptcy filing of a co-signer can trigger ruinous consequences for borrowers who have been paying their loans on time for years, such as negative credit reports that make it harder for them to get a job or access loans.

HuffPost

For almost 10 years, a small chorus has warned of ruinous consequences if the mussels crossed into the West.

The New York Times - Science

As the United States is the country responsible for the drug war's many ruinous consequences, this is more than an embarrassment; it's a disgrace.

Huffington Post

Sohn, whose group opposes the deal, said that AT&T's retreat "speaks volumes about the company's lack of confidence". She and other consumer advocates said they suspect that the telecom giants withdrew their applications to prevent the FCC from publicly disclosing findings in a hearing about the merger's potentially ruinous consequences on competition and pricing for services.

Los Angeles Times

Worse, the euphoria can escalate into outright mania, a bubble that is bound to burst with ruinous consequences for the individual, his or her family, and even society.

Huffington Post

The threat of a regional war seems to be growing, with potentially ruinous consequences.

The New York Times

Pierre Sprey, chief designer on the F-16 fighter noted the ruinous consequences of buying stealth aircraft at hundreds of millions of dollars a copy.

BBC

That does mean gambling, sometimes with ruinous consequences.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a ruinous consequence" when you want to emphasize the severely destructive nature of an outcome. It is best used when the consequences are far-reaching and have a lasting negative impact.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a ruinous consequence" can sound overly dramatic in everyday conversation. Consider using a simpler, more direct phrase like "a bad result" or "negative impact" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

A ruinous consequence acts as a noun phrase, typically functioning as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. The word "ruinous" modifies "consequence", indicating the severity and destructive nature of the outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a ruinous consequence" denotes a severely damaging outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While the phrase is not frequently encountered, its meaning is clear, emphasizing the destructive nature of the result. Synonyms include "a devastating outcome" and "a disastrous result". When deciding to use "a ruinous consequence", consider whether the context warrants such a strong expression, as it is best suited for situations with significant negative impacts. It is typically used in more formal writing and should be avoided in casual conversation to prevent sounding overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a devastating outcome

Emphasizes the catastrophic nature of the result.

a disastrous result

Highlights the failure and misfortune associated with the consequence.

a calamitous effect

Focuses on the severely damaging and unfortunate impact.

a catastrophic impact

Stresses the sudden and widespread damage caused.

a damaging repercussion

Highlights the negative and far-reaching effects.

a destructive outcome

Focuses on the act of destruction and its consequences.

a detrimental effect

Emphasizes the harm and disadvantage caused.

an adverse consequence

Highlights the negative and unwanted result.

a harmful result

Focuses on the potential to cause injury or damage.

a severe repercussion

Emphasizes the harshness and seriousness of the consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "a ruinous consequence" in a sentence?

You can use "a ruinous consequence" to describe something that has severely damaging effects. For example, "Ignoring safety regulations led to "a ruinous consequence" for the company's reputation".

What are some alternatives to saying "a ruinous consequence"?

Alternatives include "a devastating outcome", "a disastrous result", or "a calamitous effect depending" on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a ruinous consequence" formal or informal?

"A ruinous consequence" leans towards the formal side. While understandable in most contexts, it's more suited for formal writing or serious discussions rather than casual conversation.

What's the difference between "a negative consequence" and "a ruinous consequence"?

"A negative consequence" simply indicates an undesirable outcome, while "a ruinous consequence" implies a far more severe and destructive impact. The latter suggests widespread damage or devastation.