in ruins

phrase

: destroyed with some pieces or parts remaining

The building was/lay in ruins.

—sometimes used figuratively

After her death, the family was in ruins.

Examples of in ruins in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The project has transformed the Burchardi Church, which was left largely in ruins before money was raised for a new roof and other fixes to make the piece a reality. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

Fletcher, in her appeal, directly connected her tragedy to her financial loss and highlighted that the destruction of her thriving community by a violent white mob left her neighborhood and her life in ruins. — Literary Hub, 27 July 2026

In 1592, however, it was destroyed during the Imjin War and remained in ruins until its restoration in 1867. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026

Syria has managed to sidestep the region’s recent conflicts, but the country is still battered from 13 years of war that left much of it in ruins, drove millions into poverty, and will cost hundreds of billions of dollars to rebuild. — Ghaith Alsayed, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Rhymes for in ruins

• bruins
• gluons