brink of ruination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brink of ruination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is on the verge of complete destruction or failure. Example: "The company was on the brink of ruination after several poor financial decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The only, modest success for the home side was the fourth-wicket stand of 109 between Graeme Smith (63) and Boeta Dippenaar (80), which salvaged the innings from the brink of ruination at 23 for three in the eighth over.

The Guardian - Sport

As Jim Fallows quips, "Through the entirety of my conscious life, America has been on the brink of ruination, or so we have heard, from the launch of Sputnik through whatever is the latest indication of national falling apart or falling behind.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was exactly that state of ruination, pleading for redemption, that appealed to my grandmother.

The New York Times

And Ms. Boo sets forth the step-by-step process of ruination that it brings.

The New York Times - Books

Probably not, but was it sort of like a road of ruination and emptiness?

The Guardian - Books

Poets, artists, novelists and art historians have become the high priests of ruination.

The Guardian - Opinion

You trudge past images of ruination, and you arrive at uplift, at resolution".

The New York Times - Style

Its sense of ruination feels particularly apt, somehow marking the end of an era.

The Guardian - Arts

Huge flatbed trucks lumber past like a cortege, displaying giant bonelike twists of ruination.

The New York Times

But second to that in terms of ruination is the dreaded "news-pegged fashion shoot".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The 20 artists included in "Perfectly Damaged" (selected by Isaac Lyles) traffic cleverly in the soulful poetry of ruination.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brink of ruination" to create a sense of impending doom or irreversible decline, particularly when emphasizing the fragility of a situation. Ensure the context clearly supports the imagery of something valuable nearing complete destruction.

Common error

Avoid using "brink of ruination" in everyday scenarios or for minor setbacks. Its dramatic tone is best reserved for situations genuinely facing severe consequences or complete failure, otherwise it may sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brink of ruination" functions as a prepositional phrase often used adjectivally to describe a noun. It paints a picture of something being close to complete and utter destruction. Ludwig confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brink of ruination" is a prepositional phrase that effectively communicates a state of impending and often irreversible destruction. According to Ludwig, its use is grammatically correct and suitable for describing situations nearing complete failure. While not exceedingly common, its dramatic weight makes it particularly useful in news and media contexts where conveying the severity of a situation is paramount. For alternatives, consider phrases like "verge of collapse" or "edge of destruction" to achieve a similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verge of collapse

Focuses more on the actual falling apart aspect.

edge of destruction

Emphasizes the imminent annihilation.

point of devastation

Highlights the destructive outcome that is about to happen.

cusp of failure

Emphasizes the potential lack of success or effectiveness.

precipice of ruin

Uses a more metaphorical and dramatic term ('precipice') for 'brink'.

threshold of obliteration

Focuses on complete annihilation or being wiped out.

brink of disaster

A more general term for impending catastrophe.

on the road to ruin

Focuses on the process leading to devastation.

facing imminent downfall

Emphasizes the inevitability of the negative outcome.

nearing total collapse

Highlights the process and magnitude of the failure.

FAQs

How can I use "brink of ruination" in a sentence?

You can use "brink of ruination" to describe situations nearing complete destruction or failure. For instance, "The company was on the brink of ruination after the scandal."

What phrases are similar to "brink of ruination"?

Similar phrases include "verge of collapse", "edge of destruction", or "brink of disaster".

Is it appropriate to use "brink of ruination" in formal writing?

Yes, "brink of ruination" can be used in formal writing, especially when emphasizing the severity of a situation. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it's appropriate.

What is the difference between "brink of ruination" and "nearing failure"?

"Brink of ruination" carries a stronger sense of impending doom and total devastation compared to the more general term "nearing failure". The former implies a point of no return, while the latter suggests that failure is approaching but not necessarily inevitable.