ruin
noun
ruins, the remains of a building, city, etc., that has been destroyed or that is in disrepair or a state of decay.
ruined
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past participleof ruin.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof ruin.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
ruinnounruins, the remains of a building, city, etc., that has been destroyed or that is in disrepair or a state of decay.
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.
The violin invites us to look past the ruined stonework to a truer Scotland, one accessible only through its music.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
He cited the case of Ali Kololo, saying his life was "ruined by a wrongful conviction secured, in large part, by the Metropolitan Police".
From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026
“He thinks he’ll get a dishonorable discharge, and just because he was burnt out, his 13-year-old career is ruined, just like that,” she said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026
The teens at French high schools, known as lycées, say that their studies are being ruined by high teacher absences, overlong school days and dilapidated facilities, as well as other grievances.
From Barron's ● Oct. 4, 2026
I bet I’ve ruined these jeans and they are my favorite jeans, and that is just a perfect thing to happen because I ruin everything.
From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz
