1
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
a ruinous miscalculation of the financial markets left them bankrupt
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2
as in devastating
causing or tending to cause destruction
a ruinous windstorm destroyed the crops
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ruinous
The row over reparations threatened to overshadow a summit that Pacific leaders — and the Commonwealth secretariat — hoped would focus squarely on the ruinous effects of climate change.
—
Charlotte Graham-McLay, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024
The bottom line is that this can be financially ruinous for companies, especially small businesses just trying to deliver for their customers.
—Javed Hasan, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Dion’s sultry, sweeping vocals atop the intense tin-whistles and violins crash in the ears like ruinous waves.
—Spin Contributor, SPIN, 12 Feb. 2025
The practice is now impeded by ever more protective drone squadrons of P.R. people, although Prince Andrew’s ruinous television interview is a prime example—the disingenuous reporter meets the insufficiently self-aware subject, and blood is spilled.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruinous
Charlotte Graham-McLay, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024
The bottom line is that this can be financially ruinous for companies, especially small businesses just trying to deliver for their customers.
—Javed Hasan, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Dion’s sultry, sweeping vocals atop the intense tin-whistles and violins crash in the ears like ruinous waves.
—Spin Contributor, SPIN, 12 Feb. 2025
The practice is now impeded by ever more protective drone squadrons of P.R. people, although Prince Andrew’s ruinous television interview is a prime example—the disingenuous reporter meets the insufficiently self-aware subject, and blood is spilled.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruinous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruinous
Adjective
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Thuney, who was traded to the Chicago Bears for a fourth-round pick in 2026, held up fairly well — even earning team MVP honors — until the disastrous Super Bowl LIX when Patrick Mahomes was sacked six times and hit five more.—
Jeff Fedotin,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
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According to a study by Beacon Economics, this has been particularly disastrous for workers, ages 16 to 19.—
Matt Fleming,
Orange County Register,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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His defensive partner Cam Fowler called the injury devastating.—
Jeremy Rutherford,
The Athletic,
7 Mar. 2025
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One player tries to make a big move, only to watch that move ricochet in devastating fashion.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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However, this condition raises your risk of esophageal cancer, which can be fatal.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
7 Mar. 2025
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The sheriff's office said Tuesday that the company that provides natural gas service for the home made no significant findings after looking for gas leaks and carbon monoxide, the colorless, odorless gas that can be fatal by depriving people from getting enough oxygen.—
Alex Sundby,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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This toxic combination of hubris and adept manipulation led to the downfall of Theranos and highlights the destructive power of a Dark Empath.—
Dan Pontefract,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
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Tens of thousands of residents were forced to flee and thousands of structures were affected in the most destructive firestorm in city history.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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On Monday evening, within hours of learning of the directive, some state workers called the order stupid and unfortunate.—
William Melhado,
Sacramento Bee,
5 Mar. 2025
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Christie suffered from acute seasickness, unfortunate considering her trips to each continent were by ship.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ruinous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruinous. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
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