English dictionary
ruins
nounPronunciation
/ˈɹuː.ɪnz/
/ˈɹu.ɪnz/
Audio pronunciation
Parts of speech
Definitions
noun
- (sometimes in the plural) The remains of a destroyed or dilapidated construction, such as a house or castle.
- The state of being a ruin, destroyed or decayed.
- Something that leads to serious trouble or destruction.
- A fall or tumble.
- A change that destroys or defeats something; destruction; overthrow.
- Complete financial loss; bankruptcy.
verb
- To cause the fiscal ruin of.
- To destroy or make something no longer usable.
- To cause severe financial loss to; to bankrupt or drive out of business.
- To upset or overturn the plans or progress of, or to have a disastrous effect on something.
- To make something less enjoyable or likeable.
- To reveal the ending of (a story); to spoil.
- To fall into a state of decay.
- To seduce or debauch, and thus harm the social standing of.
Example sentences
The monastery has fallen into ruin.
Gambling has been the ruin of many.
the ruin of a ship or an army; the ruin of a constitution or a government; the ruin of health or hopes
With all these purchases, you surely mean to ruin us!
He ruined his new white slacks by accidentally spilling oil on them.
The crooked stockbroker's fraudulent scheme ruined dozens of victims; some investors lost their life savings and even their houses.
My car breaking down just as I was on the road ruined my vacation.
I used to love that song, but being assaulted when that song was playing ruined the song for me.
The young libertine was notorious for ruining local girls.