facing imminent ruin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "facing imminent ruin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or entity that is on the verge of disaster or collapse. Example: "The company has been mismanaged for years and is now facing imminent ruin if drastic changes are not made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Populism can have a conspiratorial and apocalyptic bent — the belief that the country, or at least its decent majority, is facing imminent ruin at the hands of a particular group of malefactors (Mexicans, billionaires, Jews, politicians).

The New Yorker

As Chiltern, even the normally reliable Robert Bathurst looks less like he is facing imminent ruin than suffering from a crick in the neck and the after-effects of something dodgy eaten at lunch.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

When just 12,000 showed up and Venice's merchants faced imminent ruin, they diverted the army to Constantinople, the Christian capital of the Byzantine Empire.

The New York Times - Books

AC faced imminent ruin, but recognized its salvation in a one-off racer built in 1953 by Vincent Davison on a simple chassis designed by John Tojeiro.

Forbes

Patients with TBI facing imminent brain death were not included.

Critical Care

The comedy is of a somber hue in this play, about a pair of siblings facing imminent financial ruin.

The New York Times

While it's always nice to know if you are facing imminent financial ruin, the real problem with the observation regulation is that it negatively impacts care, says the Society of Hospital Medicine and the American Hospital Association.

Huffington Post

But then it wasn't facing imminent local government elections.

The Economist

When facing imminent death, eating light is to be advised".

The New York Times

"The country is facing imminent economic collapse," he said.

The New York Times

None said they were facing imminent financial collapse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "facing imminent ruin" to describe situations where the threat of destruction or collapse is both close in time and highly probable. This phrase is effective in conveying urgency and severity.

Common error

Avoid using "facing imminent ruin" in situations where the threat is exaggerated or not genuinely life-altering. Reserve it for scenarios where the stakes are truly high and the potential consequences are dire to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "facing imminent ruin" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating a state of being close to destruction or collapse. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. Examples illustrate its use in various contexts to emphasize the urgency and severity of a situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "facing imminent ruin" effectively conveys that someone or something is on the verge of collapse or destruction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability. The phrase's intensity makes it most appropriate for scenarios where the threat is genuine and the consequences severe. While versatile, avoiding overuse in less critical contexts maintains its impact. Alternative phrases such as "on the verge of collapse" or "on the brink of disaster" can provide similar meaning with varying degrees of intensity. The phrase is more commonly used in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of collapse

Focuses on the state of nearing failure or breakdown rather than the imminence of complete destruction.

on the brink of disaster

Emphasizes the potential for calamity and misfortune, rather than focusing on the certainty of ruin.

nearing total destruction

Highlights the almost complete state of being destroyed, emphasizing the destructive aspect.

approaching certain downfall

Focuses on the inevitable descent from a position of power or status.

heading towards inevitable collapse

Emphasizes the forward trajectory towards a predictable and unavoidable failure.

in danger of complete failure

Stresses the risk and possibility of total failure, lessening the sense of absolute certainty.

at risk of irreversible damage

Highlights the potential for harm that cannot be undone, rather than overall ruin.

threatened by impending doom

Emphasizes the sense of dread and foreboding associated with an approaching negative outcome.

on a collision course with disaster

Focuses on the unavoidable path leading to a calamitous event.

sliding into oblivion

Suggests a gradual descent into a state of being forgotten or unknown.

FAQs

What does "facing imminent ruin" mean?

The phrase "facing imminent ruin" means that someone or something is very close to a state of destruction, collapse, or failure. It implies that the situation is critical and the negative outcome is likely to happen soon.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "facing imminent ruin"?

It is appropriate to use "facing imminent ruin" when you want to emphasize that a dire situation is about to occur. This phrase suggests a high degree of certainty and urgency, suitable for describing scenarios where disaster is looming. For less intense situations, consider alternatives such as "on the verge of collapse".

What are some alternatives to "facing imminent ruin"?

Some alternatives to "facing imminent ruin" include "on the brink of disaster", "nearing total destruction", or "approaching certain downfall". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "facing imminent ruin" an overused phrase?

While not excessively common, "facing imminent ruin" can sound dramatic. Overusing it might diminish its impact. If you're looking to convey a similar meaning with less intensity, consider phrases like "in danger of complete failure" or "at risk of irreversible damage".