B2verb1K

Ruin

UK /["/ˈruːɪn/","/ˈruːɪnz/","/ˈruːɪnd/","/ˈruːɪnɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈruːɪn/","/ˈruːɪnz/","/ˈruːɪnd/","/ˈruːɪnɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to damage something so badly that it loses all its value, pleasure, etc.

In simple words: to damage something so badly that it cannot be used or repaired

Examples

  • The heavy rain may ruin the outdoor wedding plans.
  • Smoking can seriously ruin your health over time.
  • A bad decision can ruin years of hard work.
  • The scandal threatened to ruin the politician's career.
  • That argument completely ruined the mood at the party.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using 'ruin' in overly casual settings unless speaking about trivial matters.

Grammar pattern

ruin + object

Memory hint

Think of 'ruin' as 'ruin your fun' — imagine a party being spoiled.

Collocations

  • completely
  • totally
  • nearly
  • threaten to
  • be going to
  • completely
  • totally
  • nearly
  • threaten to
  • be going to

Synonyms

  • spoil (1), wreck

Antonyms

  • preserve
  • repair
  • enhance

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'ruin' vs 'wreck', which have slightly different connotations.
  • Incorrectly using 'ruin' with non-tangible objects, e.g., 'ruin an idea' instead of 'ruin a plan'.
  • Using 'ruin' in a passive structure incorrectly, e.g., saying 'the building was ruined by' without specifying the agent.