Cool MateRuined vs Spoiled
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Ruined
Top 2,000 (common)
Spoiled
Top 2,000 (common)
| Ruined | Spoiled | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈruːɪnd//🇺🇸 //ˈruːɪnd// | 🇬🇧 //spɔɪld//🇺🇸 //spɔɪld// |
| Meaning | Something that is damaged or destroyed. | When something is ruined or bad because it is old or not fresh. |
| Example | The storm ruined the picnic plans for everyone. | The milk has spoiled after being left out all night. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | completely ruined, utterly ruined, ruined by time, ruined beyond repair, ruined plans | spoiled food, spoiled child, spoiled milk, spoiled vegetables, spoiled reputation |
| Antonyms | improved, restored, strengthened | fresh, preserved, improved |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'ruin' as a noun., Using 'ruined' in a positive context., Omitting the subject when using passive 'ruined'. | Confused with 'spoilt' – use 'spoiled' in American English., Using 'spoiled' only for food and not for people., Mistakenly using 'spoiled' for situations instead of people or food. |
| Usage notes | Typically used in both written and spoken contexts. Can refer to objects (like buildings) or situations (like plans). Avoid using in overly formal contexts. | Use 'spoiled' when talking about food that has gone bad. It can also describe a person who is too pampered. Avoid using it in technical contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Ruined vs Spoiled
What's the difference between Ruined and Spoiled?
Ruined: Something that is damaged or destroyed. Spoiled: When something is ruined or bad because it is old or not fresh.
Can you show an example of each?
Ruined: The storm ruined the picnic plans for everyone. Spoiled: The milk has spoiled after being left out all night.
Can I use Ruined and Spoiled interchangeably?
Not always. Ruined and Spoiled are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.