end in ruin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "end in ruin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that ultimately leads to failure or disaster. Example: "If we continue down this path of neglect, our project will surely end in ruin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But some members fear that the tribe is overreaching and that its rags-to-riches story might end in ruin.

The New York Times

They include members of the Tribune board, the company's management and the bankers who walked away with millions of dollars for financing and advising on a transaction that many of them knew, or should have known, could end in ruin.

The New York Times

Now, as the European debt crisis that began in Greece threatens to engulf even France along with Italy and Spain, Mr. Connolly's longstanding proposition that the foisting of a common currency upon so many disparate nations would end in ruin is getting a much wider hearing.

The New York Times

Keith Dore Mannn) is the odd man out in the crew of chirpy losers with whom he works selling coupon books door to door; he has a woman friend, Laura Maryy Wall, Bronstein's wife), who is even more tormented and self-destructive than he is, and an irresponsible roommate whose own travails end in ruin.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Empires end in ruins: commonwealths have hitherto been beyond the civic capacity of mankind.

Encyclopedia Britannica

[cartoon id= a19396"] If city tales begin with grids and transportation, they end in ruins: there are no more moving or frightening images in urban history than those of contemporary Detroit.

The New Yorker

So his tenure ended in ruin.

The New York Times

Both of them manage to sneak a look at the other's and the marriage ends in ruin.

The New Yorker

Buy from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.ukAT THE best of times, the self-made rich are usually held up in fiction as shallow, contemptible and undeserving of sympathy even when their wealth leads to misery and ends in ruin.

The Economist

Then, the discussions suddenly ended, in ruins.

The New York Times

PAGE A3 Futile M.T.A. Security Effort Negotiations between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Army over an ambitious and innovative plan to work together on security measures for New York City's transit system ended in ruins as a result of unrelated firings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "end in ruin" to describe a process or series of events that predictably concludes with a disastrous or destructive outcome. For example, "Their reckless spending was destined to end in ruin."

Common error

Avoid using "end in ruin" in everyday situations where the outcome is merely inconvenient or disappointing, reserving it for scenarios involving significant and irreversible negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "end in ruin" functions as a verb phrase indicating the final, disastrous outcome of a particular situation or series of events. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness. Examples show its use in describing the consequences of financial overreach, political decisions, and personal choices.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "end in ruin" is a phrase used to describe a situation or course of action that culminates in a disastrous or destructive outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Analysis of various sources, predominantly in news and media, shows it is used to emphasize potential severe negative consequences. While suitable for formal and neutral contexts, it's best reserved for scenarios involving significant and irreversible failures. Related phrases include "result in destruction" and "lead to downfall". Therefore, use "end in ruin" judiciously to convey the weight of potential catastrophic results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

result in destruction

Focuses on the destructive outcome, rather than the process leading to it.

lead to downfall

Emphasizes a fall from a high position or status.

culminate in disaster

Highlights the disastrous final event in a sequence.

finish in collapse

Suggests a complete breakdown or failure of a system or structure.

terminate in failure

Focuses on the lack of success as the ultimate result.

come to grief

A more idiomatic way of expressing a disastrous outcome.

meet its Waterloo

Alludes to a decisive and final defeat.

descend into chaos

Focuses on the chaotic state that follows the failure.

fall into disrepair

Highlights a gradual decline and deterioration.

be doomed to fail

Suggests that the outcome was predetermined and unavoidable.

FAQs

How can I use "end in ruin" in a sentence?

Use "end in ruin" to describe a situation or course of action that leads to a disastrous outcome. For instance, "A failure to address climate change will "end in ruin" for coastal communities".

What are some alternatives to "end in ruin"?

Alternatives include "result in destruction", "lead to downfall", or "culminate in disaster". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "end in ruin" in formal writing?

Yes, "end in ruin" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing serious or critical topics. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong and negative expression.

What kind of scenarios does "end in ruin" typically describe?

"End in ruin" is typically used to describe scenarios involving significant failure, destruction, or collapse, often with long-lasting or irreversible consequences. For instance, a misguided policy might "end in ruin" for the economy.