ruin
an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
How often you will meet it
Rank 1,835 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 9,876 times across 155,139 chapters — 0.005% of every word in the library.
What it means
noun
- an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction also: ruination you have brought ruin on this entire family
- a ruined building they explored several Roman ruins
- the process of becoming dilapidated also: dilapidation
- an event that results in destruction also: ruination
- failure that results in a loss of position or reputation also: downfall, ruination
- destruction achieved by causing something to be wrecked or ruined also: laying waste, ruining, ruination, wrecking
verb
- destroy completely; damage irreparably also: destroy You have ruined my car by pouring sugar in the tank!The tears ruined her make-up
- destroy or cause to fail This behavior will ruin your chances of winning the election
ruin in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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The Treasure Valley was one mass of ruin and desolation.
Famous Stories Every Child Should Know · Hamilton Wright [Editor] Mabie · Chapter 1
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My son the pander! now I find our house Sinking to ruin.
The White Devil · John Webster · Chapter 1
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They neither bring ruin upon others, nor ever receive it from alien hands.
The Picture of Dorian Gray · Oscar Wilde · Chapter 1
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And large engineering affairs were allowed to go and rack and ruin while Henry McLean watched his son.
The Courage of the Commonplace · Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews · Chapter 1
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Even then he was the most striking figure in Starkfield, though he was but the ruin of a man.
Ethan Frome · Edith Wharton · Chapter 1