ruination

noun

ˌrü-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce ruination (audio)
Definition of ruinationnext
1
as in downfall
something that is the cause of one's ultimate failure or loss of life neglect and indifference have proved to be the ruination of more than one marriage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in destruction
the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless although this is a setback, it isn't complete ruination for the company

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ruination The only thing that would satisfy the gremlin in me is the ruination of my freedom. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2026 And to think that many thought MLB Free Agency in 1976 was the ruination of the sport. — Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026 Advertisement What’s perhaps most critical around the plague is its embodiment of feelings of destruction and ruination. — Nathan Smith, Time, 26 Nov. 2025 Wedding fundraising pages are not invoices that require payment under threat of credit ruination. — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ruination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruination
  1. downfall
  2. destruction
  3. devastation
  4. havoc
  5. extinction
  6. loss
  7. demolition
Noun
  • His lack of participation in tournaments following the event may have been his downfall in his attempt to make the playoffs.
    — Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • For one, the Tea Party folks weren't trying to bring about the downfall of Western civilization and the United States of America.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of downfall
Noun
  • AccuWeather data from April showed Illinois already leading the nation in tornado, hail and high‑wind reports before the destruction last month.
    — Daily Southtown, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, some vendors have sued the city to obtain public records related to the seizure and destruction of vendor equipment.
    — Da Lin, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of destruction
Noun
  • The mall’s survival amid the community’s devastation was not without controversy given Caruso’s use of private firefighters to ward off the flames.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Security camera photos show the devastation caused by flooding in Metamora, Indiana, where numerous businesses were damaged after severe weather hit on Wednesday.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of devastation
Noun
  • The tropical storm hit Japan days after Typhoon Dolphin created havoc in parts of southern Japan, paralyzing traffic and sending hundreds to take shelter.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • At the center of the effort was sixth-year linebacker Nick Bolton, the quarterback of the unit, who focused on galvanizing the troops to create havoc and slow down an offense that had been humming earlier in the frame.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of havoc
Noun
  • While an entire neighborhood (or more) is threatened with extinction-by-dinosaur, the fate of Starbuck (real-life dogs Buzz and Brisket share the role), featured prominently in the movie’s trailer, seems to have stirred up the most internet agita.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Perhaps the species has a core memory of how humanity almost hunted them to extinction.
    — Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of extinction
Noun
  • Finding the balance between preserving clubhouse culture and throwing future pieces into the fire remains complicated, even as the team dropped to 60-65 following Saturday’s 5-4 walk-off loss to the New York Mets.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Some of this can be attributed to a loss of trust in institutions, especially those tied to public health, thanks in part to the Covid-19 pandemic.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of loss
Noun
  • But demolition should be a careful decision based on proper assessments.
    — Giorgia Giardina, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026
  • This year alone, over 3,200 Palestinians have been displaced across the West Bank by settler attacks and demolitions, according to the United Nations.
    — Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of demolition

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ruination
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Cite this Entry

“Ruination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruination. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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