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Synonyms

ruination

American  
[roo-uh-nay-shuhn] / ˌru əˈneɪ ʃən /

noun

  1. the act or state of ruining or the state of being ruined.

  2. something that ruins.


ruination British  
/ ˌruːɪˈneɪʃən /

noun

  1. the act of ruining or the state of being ruined

  2. something that causes ruin

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of ruination

First recorded in 1655–65; ruinate + -ion


Vocabulary lists containing ruination

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Mr. Clark asks us to regard the tale of the two pastors’ ruination as comparable to modern-day instances of reputational destruction.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 27, 2026

Colin Neill, from representative body Hospitality Ulster, said the measure would be the "ruination of the hospitality industry".

From BBC ● Jan. 29, 2026

They claim the AHL’s financial gain would amount to their own ruination.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 12, 2023

Riley surely realizes he is risking the ruination of the final season of arguably the greatest quarterback in USC history by forcing Williams to tote this unsightly defensive baggage, correct?

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 2, 2023

I looked at the confusion around me, the ruination.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

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