ruin

ruin

noun

Definition of RUIN

1

the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless <a vicious bombardment that left the building in ruins>

Synonyms annihilation, decimation, demolishment, demolition, desolation, devastation, extermination, extinction, havoc, loss, mincemeat, obliteration, ruin, ruination, wastage, wreckage

Related Words depredation, despoilment, despoliation; breakup, collapse, disintegration, dissolution; assassination, execution, killing, massacre, slaughter; dismantlement, effacement, eradication

Near Antonyms rescue, salvage, salvation, saving; conservation, preservation, protection; reclamation, reconstruction, re-creation, refurbishment, regeneracy, remodeling, renovation, restoration

Antonyms building, construction, erection, raising

ruins plthe portion or bits of something left over or behind after it has been destroyed <the ruins of an abandoned abbey>

Synonyms ashes, debris, detritus, flotsam, residue, rubble, ruins, wreck, wreckage

Related Words jetsam, leavings, remnant; chaff, deadwood, dross, dust, garbage, junk, litter, refuse, riffraff, rubbish, scrap, trash, waste

3

the inability to pay one's debts <the family faces ruin if the chief breadwinner doesn't find another job very soon>

Synonyms bankruptcy, failure, ruin

Related Words Chapter 11

Antonyms solvency

4

something that is the cause of one's ultimate failure or loss of life <the politician's eventual ruin would be a sexual indiscretion>

Synonyms death, destruction, ruin, ruination, undoing

Related Words bane, curse, torment; Achilles' heel, tragic flaw