B2verb1K

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

Meaning of Ruin

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

Ruin in a sentence

  • 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.

How to use Ruin

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.

Related words

Collocations with Ruin

Synonyms for Ruin

  • spoil (1), wreck

Opposites of Ruin

Common mistakes with Ruin

  • 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.

Ruin appears in

Ruin in other languages

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Frequently asked questions about Ruin

What does Ruin mean?

to damage something so badly that it cannot be used or repaired

What is the definition of Ruin?

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

How do you use Ruin in a sentence?

The heavy rain may ruin the outdoor wedding plans.

Can you give another example of Ruin?

Smoking can seriously ruin your health over time.

What are synonyms for Ruin?

Common alternatives include spoil (1), wreck.

What is the opposite of Ruin?

Opposite meanings include preserve, repair, enhance.

What words go with Ruin?

It commonly pairs with completely, totally, nearly, threaten to, be going to, completely, totally, nearly, threaten to, be going to.

What are common mistakes when using Ruin?

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.

How do you pronounce Ruin?

US: /["/ˈruːɪn/","/ˈruːɪnz/","/ˈruːɪnd/","/ˈruːɪnɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈruːɪn/","/ˈruːɪnz/","/ˈruːɪnd/","/ˈruːɪnɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Ruin?

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

What CEFR level is Ruin?

"Ruin" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.