Synonyms for

Ruin

Verb / ˈru:ʌn / / ˈru:ɪn / Another word for ruin — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to destroy or spoil something completely

Synonyms & similar words

downfall break dilapidation wrecking ruination layingwaste smash bankrupt destroy ruining deflower destroy wreck devastate demolish shatter undo abolish annihilate overturn eliminate eradicate extinguish obliterate ruination decay deterioration decline downfall collapse bankruptcy

Synonyms by register

Formal

demolish destroy annihilate obliterate

Informal

wreck trash smash mess up

Literary

despoil ravage devastate

Antonyms

build create construct establish preserve save restore

Common collocations

  • utter ruin
  • economic ruin
  • financial ruin
  • ruin a surprise
  • ruin the day
  • ruin a reputation
  • fall into ruin
  • bring to ruin

Word family

noun ruin
verb ruin
adjective ruined

Usage note

As a verb, 'ruin' often implies causing something to be damaged beyond repair or to fail completely. It can also be used more lightly to mean spoiling something, like 'ruining a surprise'.

Example sentences

  1. The fire will ruin the building.
  2. The rain will ruin our parade.
  3. The bad grade will ruin my day.
  4. The hurricane will ruin the beach.
  5. The spoiled milk will ruin the recipe.

Quotes

  • A single lie can ruin a thousand truths.
  • The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
  • The best way to predict the future is to invent it.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words