The word "ruins" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a destroyed or decayed structure or place, or to refer to an event or period of time that left behind something in such a condition. For example, "The ruins of the old fort were all that remained of the once grand and formidable structure."
Only those seriously into colonial archeology will find the ruins exciting: a derelict Dutch-built hospital, a ruined courthouse where a large cow now presides.
Specifically, fear of media tycoons who used to boast that some of their newspapers had "won" elections and had left the prime ministerial ambitions of party leaders in ruins.
It is not yet clear how many tourists were on the tower when it collapsed, though reports indicate that several bodies were later extracted from the ruins.
With smoke still rising from the ruins of Krásna Hôrka on Monday, police announced that the most precious collections and documents had been rescued from the flames.
Rebels were closing in on government soldiers who were trapped in bombed-out ruins and running out of food and supplies after more than a week under siege.
As you step down to the packed streets leading towards Place des Martyrs, the ruins of the French city begin to reveal themselves.
It's the sort of exclusive he might once have splashed across the Mirror's pages, though, as is often the way with these things, the detail ruins things slightly.
Apparently nothing ruins a job interview like turning up with half a slice of toast and a bee in your beard.
"Everything is in ruins," he says shaking his head ruefully.
Hill, Oscar-nominated for supporting roles in Moneyball and The Wolf of Wall Street, has been tipped since February to play the lead role of heroic security guard Richard Jewell, who foiled the attempt at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics but later came under police suspicion and suffered an invasive trial by media that left his life in ruins.
The soft, aching beauty inherent in ruins is not in evidence here.
