Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
ruined state
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"ruined state" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is in a state of ruin, decay, or destruction. Example: After years of neglect, the abandoned mansion was in a ruined state, with broken windows, crumbling walls, and overgrown weeds surrounding it.
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Wiki
Encyclopedias
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
22 human-written examples
Has the partisanship that made the US Congress so dismal under both Republican and Democratic leadership also ruined state legislatures?
News & Media
He could only find parts of the painting, but its broken, ruined state only adds to its melancholy and irony.
News & Media
The poetry of those winter weeks, the theatrical press conferences and the street rallies, yielded to the prose of governing a ruined state.
News & Media
Eight years ago, following almost two decades of legal squabbling, Spain's supreme court ruled that the over-restored Roman amphitheatre in the Valencian town of Sagunto should returned to its previously ruined state.
News & Media
Eight years ago, after almost two decades of legal battles, the supreme court ruled the building should returned to its previously ruined state, but it remains defiantly intact – and visited by architects from around the world who shower praise on its bold originality.
News & Media
St Michaelis church, a landmark for sailors returning to Hamburg, has been rebuilt twice - after a fire in the early 1900s and after second world war bombing - while the haunting St Nikolai has been preserved in its bombed, ruined state (the spire survived, and the views from the top are spectacular) as an antiwar memorial.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
36 human-written examples
The guide appeared to break down when he told CBS News his life had been ruined, stating, "Well, it's destroyed us, it's destroyed the family, my business".
News & Media
Today we begin the process of removing the stain of corruption that has ruined our state's ability and our state's reputation as a great place to conduct business".
News & Media
Special interests, like trial lawyers, that have ruined the state eco-nomically will, of course, scream.
News & Media
Despite the noble aims of the project, profligate spending ruined the state's credit.
Wiki
Now that Governor Rick Snyder has effectively ruined our state brand, we should be thinking about what it is we DO want to be known for.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing a historical site, use "ruined state" to emphasize the impact of time and events on its current condition.
Common error
While "ruined state" is descriptive, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "dilapidated condition" or "state of disrepair" for a more engaging text.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "ruined state" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It characterizes the condition of something that has suffered significant damage or deterioration. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, such as describing buildings, countries, or even abstract concepts.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Wiki
20%
Encyclopedias
10%
Less common in
Science
10%
Formal & Business
10%
Reference
10%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "ruined state" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to depict something that is in a condition of decay or destruction. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears across diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to encyclopedias and wikis. While applicable in most situations, it is important to consider context and formality. While "ruined state" is a versatile phrase, employing related phrases like "state of disrepair" or "dilapidated condition" can offer nuanced descriptions and prevent repetitive language. Remember to use it to depict gradual decline. Top sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
state of disrepair
Focuses on the condition of needing repair due to neglect or damage.
decayed condition
Highlights the process of rotting or decomposition.
dilapidated condition
Emphasizes the state of being run-down or falling apart.
state of devastation
Conveys a sense of extreme damage and destruction.
shambles
Implies a state of total disorder and ruin.
state of collapse
Focuses on the act of falling down or losing structure.
deteriorated condition
Highlights the gradual worsening of a state.
state of decay
Emphasizes the process of decline or decomposition.
ravaged condition
Highlights severe damage caused by destructive forces.
state of destruction
Focuses on the act of being completely destroyed.
FAQs
How can I use "ruined state" in a sentence?
You can use "ruined state" to describe something that has fallen into disrepair, for example: "The castle was in a "ruined state" after the war."
What can I say instead of "ruined state"?
Alternatives include "state of disrepair", "decayed condition", or "dilapidated condition" depending on the context.
Is it correct to say "a ruined state" or "the ruined state"?
Both are grammatically correct, but "the ruined state" is typically used when referring to a specific entity or situation that is already known or has been previously mentioned. "A ruined state" is more general.
What's the difference between "ruined state" and "destroyed state"?
"Ruined state" suggests a gradual decline or decay, while "destroyed state" implies a more sudden or complete demolition. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the process or the outcome of the damage.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested