ruin

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ruin" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun or a verb. Example: The storm ruined the farmer's crops, leaving him without any income.

✓ 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" in writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey: is it physical destruction, a fall from grace, or the spoiling of something good? Choose synonyms or related terms to refine your meaning.

Common error

While "ruin" is a versatile word, be mindful of its tone in formal or professional writing. Sometimes, more precise terms like "decline", "failure", or "deterioration" might be more appropriate to maintain a professional register.

Linguistic Context

The word "ruin" functions both as a noun and a verb. As a verb, it describes the act of destroying or spoiling something. As a noun, it refers to the state of being destroyed or the remnants of something that has been destroyed. Ludwig AI confirms that "ruin" is usable in written english.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ruin" is a versatile word functioning as both a noun and a verb to denote destruction, decay, or spoilage. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in English, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, being mindful of the specific context will improve the clarity of your writing. Consider related terms such as "destruction", "downfall", or "devastation" to refine your meaning. While "ruin" is a common and acceptable word, using it effectively requires attention to nuance and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

destruction

Emphasizes the act of demolishing or devastating something, focusing on the immediate aftermath of "ruin".

demolition

Focuses on the act of intentionally tearing down a structure, often implying a planned "ruin".

devastation

Highlights the severe damage and emotional impact caused by the "ruin", stressing the long-term effects.

downfall

Refers to a loss of power, status, or fortune, indicating a gradual decline leading to "ruin".

collapse

Implies a sudden failure or breakdown, suggesting an abrupt end resulting in "ruin".

decay

Focuses on the gradual deterioration and decomposition of something, leading to its eventual "ruin".

wreckage

Refers to the remains or debris after something has been destroyed, emphasizing the physical state of "ruin".

spoil

Indicates the act of damaging or impairing the quality of something, suggesting a lesser degree of "ruin".

mar

Means to detract from the perfection or wholeness of something, implying a minor level of "ruin".

undoing

Highlights the cause or agent of someone's downfall or "ruin", focusing on the reason behind it.

FAQs

How can I use "ruin" in a sentence?

The word "ruin" can be used as a verb meaning to destroy or spoil, as in "The rain "ruined our picnic"". It can also be a noun referring to a state of destruction or the remains of something destroyed, such as "The old castle is now a "ruin"".

What are some synonyms for the verb "ruin"?

Alternatives to "ruin" as a verb include "destroy", "spoil", "wreck", or "devastate". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "ruin" and "destruction"?

"Ruin" can refer to both the act of destroying and the state of being destroyed, while "destruction" primarily refers to the act of destroying. A building can be in a state of "ruin" after experiencing "destruction".

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

Both phrases are generally acceptable, but "in ruins" is more common when referring to a physical structure or place. "In ruin" is less frequently used and might sound slightly archaic in some contexts.