Definition

1. 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

1. destruction achieved by causing something to be wrecked or ruined
2. failure that results in a loss of position or reputation
3. an event that results in destruction
4. an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
   • you have brought ruin on this entire family