1
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
a ruinous miscalculation of the financial markets left them bankrupt
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in devastating
causing or tending to cause destruction
a ruinous windstorm destroyed the crops
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ruinous
After the end of World War II, the Reichstag found itself in a ruinous state in West Berlin.
—
The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 9 Sep. 2025
That could be ruinous to a sector which has been in decline for decades.
—David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
And so one of Rothstein’s protégés, Dutch Schultz—who, thanks to the layoff networks, had access to ready cash—began lending to the Harlem numbers bankers, at ruinous rates.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Only intense public pressure and the threat of ruinous lawsuits have led it to take action.
—R. R. Reno, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2018
See All Example Sentences for ruinous
The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 9 Sep. 2025
That could be ruinous to a sector which has been in decline for decades.
—David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
And so one of Rothstein’s protégés, Dutch Schultz—who, thanks to the layoff networks, had access to ready cash—began lending to the Harlem numbers bankers, at ruinous rates.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Only intense public pressure and the threat of ruinous lawsuits have led it to take action.
—R. R. Reno, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2018
See All Example Sentences for ruinous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruinous
Adjective
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Since the election, Democrats have worked to recruit candidates and relay messaging with the goal of resonating with voters after a disastrous 2024.—
Sydney Topf,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Oct. 2025
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Report Despite a disastrous start to the season, the Ravens hope to turn around their fortunes by beating a Bears team on a four-game winning streak.—
Jordan Sigler,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The loss was unexpected and devastating.—
Autumn Barnes,
NPR,
27 Oct. 2025
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Kamala Harris teases 2028 presidential run, devastating Dems’ chances!—
The Hill,
The Hill,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The show centers on Alex (Jason Clarke) and his wife, Maggie Murdaugh (Patricia Arquette), as their privileged world spirals following a fatal 2019 boating accident involving their son, Paul (Johnny Berchtold), that leads to more secrets emerging.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
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Once written, the script’s fantastic promise distracted its readers from the fatal holes in its plot.—
Elizabeth D. Samet,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Her grief transforms into destructive power, turning her into a monster.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
29 Oct. 2025
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The last time Jamaica faced a hurricane of a similar magnitude was Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, a Category 4 storm remembered as the deadliest and most destructive in the nation’s history.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Overall, prosecutors allege the nearly three-dozen defendants cheated unfortunate players out of at least $7 million.—
Ben Brachfeld,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
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The knee injury marks an unfortunate end to Duck’s second season.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The film's production cost around $26 million and earned just $637,355 at the box office — a catastrophic flop.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
29 Oct. 2025
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Ongoing catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides will continue through Tuesday night.—
MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT,
Miami Herald,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ruinous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruinous. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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