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Showing results for ruin.
Definitions

ruin

[roo-in] / ˈru ɪn /
NOUN
situation of devastation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bankruptcy collapse demolition destruction extinction insolvency wreck wreckage
STRONG
atrophy bane bath breakdown confusion crash crumbling damage decay defeat degeneracy degeneration destitution deterioration dilapidation disintegration disrepair dissolution downfall downgrade failure fall havoc loss nemesis overthrow ruination skids subversion undoing waste waterloo
WEAK
crack up the end
Antonyms
STRONGEST
building construction creation
STRONG
accomplishment achievement advantage attainment development
VERB
devastate, destroy
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bankrupt crush decimate demolish deplete exhaust impoverish injure mar overwhelm raze shatter spoil wipe out wrack wreck
STRONG
beggar botch break bust deface defeat defile deplore desecrate despoil devour dilapidate disfigure drain fleece maim mangle mutilate overthrow overturn pauperize pillage rape ravish reduce sack smash total
WEAK
bring down bring to ruin clean out depredate do in lay waste make a mess of spoliate use up wreak havoc on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
build construct create fix heal mend repair
STRONG
adorn beautify cure protect strengthen
WEAK
develop grow

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Inside the new dome, the chimney of reactor four is a haunting ruin, coated with a crude grey concrete shell, under the shiny metal dome tall enough to house the Statue of Liberty.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

“We spent decades and lots of money trying to discourage early childbearing, saying, ‘This will ruin your life.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Myanmar's military has long presented itself as the only force guarding the restive country from rupture and ruin.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

“Would this ruin her life — or transform it? I just worry that she does not have the same opportunities.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

Zeke wasn’t wrong, and it seemed to be the first time she bothered to see him as an individual rather than as a small agent of evil come to ruin her day.

From "Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody" by Patrick Ness

Vocabulary lists containing ruin

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

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Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"

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Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!