ruin

noun
/ˈɹuː.ɪn/

The remains of a destroyed or dilapidated construction, such as a house or castle.

Other meanings

The state of being a ruin, destroyed or decayed.
“The monastery has fallen into ruin.”
Something that leads to serious trouble or destruction.
“Gambling has been the ruin of many.”

Related words

ruiniform
ruinism
ruinless
ruinlike
ruin theory
blue ruin
mother's ruin
rack and ruin
ruin of the year
ruination
ruin pub
ruin value

Example sentences

“Archaeologists found a papyrus scroll in the ruins.”
Tatoeba · ddnktr · CC0
“They explored ancient ruins hidden in the jungle.”
Tatoeba · Igider · CC0

Word history

From Latin "ruīna" (overthrow, ruin).

Where this comes from

This definition is adapted from “ruin” on Wiktionary, by its contributors; example sentences are from Tatoeba, credited to their authors above, published under CC BY-SA 4.0. This page is published under the same licence.