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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.

The Seattle Mariners ruin the Angels’ home opener, holding them to just one hit over 10 innings in a 3-1 victory.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

They don’t realize it can actually really, really ruin what you’re trying to build.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Baldoni brought defamation suits against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, their publicist, claiming they were aiming to ruin his career and reputation with the allegations, as well as the New York Times.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 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

Shannon, who was only worried about how Reuben was going to ruin her Halloween.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.