ruination
/rui'neiʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The act of ruining or the state of being ruined; complete destruction or collapse. This refers to the process or result of causing something to be completely destroyed, devastated, or brought to an end.
- A cause of ruin; something that ruins. This refers to a specific agent, event, or factor that leads to destruction or downfall.
Usage and Examples
- As the state or result of destruction:
- The war led to the complete ruination of the ancient city.
- The scandal meant the ruination of his political career.
- As the cause or act of ruining:
- That investment was the ruination of the company.
- Gambling proved to be his ruination.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "Ruination" often carries a more formal, dramatic, or literary tone than the simpler word "ruin." It emphasizes the finality and totality of the destruction.
- It can describe both physical destruction (of buildings, cities) and abstract destruction (of reputations, hopes, plans).
Variants and Related Words
- Ruin (noun/verb): A more common word for severe damage or destruction, or the act of causing it.
- The castle fell into ruin. (state)
- He ruined his shoes in the mud. (action)
- Ruined (adjective): In a state of ruin.
- a ruined castle
Synonyms
- Destruction: The action or process of causing so much damage to something that it no longer exists or cannot be repaired.
- Downfall: A loss of power, prosperity, or status.
- Devastation: Great destruction or damage.
- Collapse: A sudden failure or breakdown.
Idioms and Phrases
- To be the ruination of someone/something: To be the cause of someone's or something's complete failure or destruction.
- They say that new highway will be the ruination of our quiet village.
Noun
- destruction achieved by causing something to be wrecked or ruined
- failure that results in a loss of position or reputation
- an event that results in destruction
- an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
- you have brought ruin on this entire family