in ruins
idiom
: destroyed with some pieces or parts remaining
The building was/lay in ruins.
—sometimes used figurativelyAfter her death, the family was in ruins.
Examples of in ruins in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Much of the city has been left in ruins by intense battles between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
—
Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 27 May 2025
Eighteen months into the conflict, Gaza lies in ruins.
—Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 14 May 2025
Most Palestinians in the enclave are struggling to survive without basic necessities, as their homes and essential infrastructure lie in ruins, making aid deliveries essential.
—Mandy Taheri
jason Lemon, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 May 2025
Israel's ground and air campaign in Gaza has since killed more than 52,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians according to local health authorities, and left much of Gaza in ruins.
—Maayan Lubell, USA Today, 6 May 2025
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Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 27 May 2025
Eighteen months into the conflict, Gaza lies in ruins.
—Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 14 May 2025
Most Palestinians in the enclave are struggling to survive without basic necessities, as their homes and essential infrastructure lie in ruins, making aid deliveries essential.
—Mandy Taheri
jason Lemon, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 May 2025
Israel's ground and air campaign in Gaza has since killed more than 52,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians according to local health authorities, and left much of Gaza in ruins.
—Maayan Lubell, USA Today, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for in ruins
Cite this Entry
“In ruins.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20ruins. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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