ruin
Meaning(s)
1. spoil or destroy, something in a state of decline
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
ruin your reputation/fall into ruin
Analysis
To 'ruin' something means to destroy or sabotage something. The verb 'to ruin' can mean to reduce something such as a building into a state of collapse, decay or disrepair. As a noun, a 'ruin' refers to a building that is disintegrating or is in a state of disrepair.
Social Examples (Basic)
- John hoped that his recent argument with his boss would not ruin his chances of promotion.
- The scandal ruined the politician's reputation and led to his immediate resignation.
- They decided to renovate the old house to stop it from falling into ruin.
- We went to visit the castle but there wasn't much left of it. It was just an old ruin.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Pollution from the factory is ruining the surrounding countryside.
- If my investments don't start doing better soon I'll be financially ruined!