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
Relevance
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
Athens used its financial power to abuse its allies and in doing so precipitated its own ruination.
—
Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 24 Jan. 2020
There’s a scene, an almost 14-minute long take, that centers on Otilia at her boyfriend’s birthday party, saying next to nothing, as the elders around her lambaste her generation for the ruination of traditional values.
—Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2024
In essence, not properly processing our body’s needs and its requirements tempts ruination.
—Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 31 July 2024
Proponents of the curse theory pointed to centuries of death, injury, ruination, quarrels, and dreams dashed upon the rocks.
—Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for ruination
Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 24 Jan. 2020
There’s a scene, an almost 14-minute long take, that centers on Otilia at her boyfriend’s birthday party, saying next to nothing, as the elders around her lambaste her generation for the ruination of traditional values.
—Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2024
In essence, not properly processing our body’s needs and its requirements tempts ruination.
—Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 31 July 2024
Proponents of the curse theory pointed to centuries of death, injury, ruination, quarrels, and dreams dashed upon the rocks.
—Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for ruination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruination
Noun
-
And maybe the downfall is that Lex has decided what's right between those two and which should win out, whereas Superman and Lois are in a constant battle about what is right, so they each get checked by the other.—
Mike Miller,
EW.com,
2 Apr. 2025
-
His season-ending injury helped the Cowboys’ downfall in 2024.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
30 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The path of destruction stretched about 11 miles in the city outside Tulsa, and radar indicated a possible tornado had formed, according to a statement from city government.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2025
-
On March 28, an individual who had been missing since Helene's destruction was found and identified as 66-year-old Russell Wilber, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services confirmed on Wednesday.—
Megan Forrester,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Several studies have found that polyphenols, especially tannins, can also play havoc with your iron supplement.—
Fiona Embleton,
Glamour,
18 Mar. 2025
-
The pandemic though wrought havoc on student achievement, with many learning gaps remaining nearly five years after schools first closed.—
Cory Turner,
NPR,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
As the Earth's climate cooled and the oceans' ecosystems changed, Megalodon may have struggled to find sufficient food, leading to its extinction.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin had an emotional meeting with a pair of dire wolves, but many fans have shared the same unimpressed response, not quite able to believe a species was brought back from extinction before Martin finished the next book in his A Song of Ice and Fire series.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Made of amino acids, protein is needed for repairing and building muscle, weight loss, immune support, hormone regulation, and other bodily functions.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
28 Mar. 2025
-
As if the Israeli people’s losses from October 7th are not grievous enough, their fears for the hostages not haunting enough, and the miseries of the Gazans not shaming enough, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is bringing his country back to war.—
Bernard Avishai,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Military Activities Along Gaza Border In 2014, Sisi's government oversaw the demolition of hundreds of homes and forced evictions from the Egyptian side of Rafah in order to create a buffer zone along the border with the Gaza Strip, following a deadly attack on a military checkpoint in North Sinai.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Survivors of the Pulse nightclub shooting and families of victims will be able to step inside the club ahead of its eventual demolition, a city spokesperson said Tuesday.—
Ryan Gillespie,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ruination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruination. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share