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
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Recent Examples of ruination
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
And then, boom, blackout and ruination reign as humans are picked off en masse by blind, sound-chasing monsters.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 24 June 2024
Adventure Mode puts you into your maps two weeks after the ruination of your fortress; there's a real sense of impermanence to everything, which is probably good, considering your chances of getting out alive.
—Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 17 Apr. 2024
After two and a half hellish years of total war and economic ruination, the secessionists sued for peace, and the conflict ended in 1970.
—Uzodinma Iweala, Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2022
See all Example Sentences for ruination 
Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024
And then, boom, blackout and ruination reign as humans are picked off en masse by blind, sound-chasing monsters.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 24 June 2024
Adventure Mode puts you into your maps two weeks after the ruination of your fortress; there's a real sense of impermanence to everything, which is probably good, considering your chances of getting out alive.
—Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 17 Apr. 2024
After two and a half hellish years of total war and economic ruination, the secessionists sued for peace, and the conflict ended in 1970.
—Uzodinma Iweala, Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2022
See all Example Sentences for ruination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruination
Noun
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The downfall of Emilia Pérez The team behind Emilia Pérez at the 2025 Golden Globes.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
8 Feb. 2025
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Despite her two court appearances in 2019, Gibson has rarely been seen since her public downfall.—
Lynsey Eidell,
People.com,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The epic destruction that surrounds the Villa today adds an unnerving element to the exhibition’s art historical context.—
Christopher Knight,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2025
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Because mutually assured destruction has already occurred.—
James Hibberd,
The Hollywood Reporter,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The lawsuit alleged the foreign aid freeze is unlawful, exceeds Trump's authority as president and is causing havoc.—
Lucien Bruggeman,
ABC News,
11 Feb. 2025
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The iconic blue alien could be seen causing havoc on the field, crashing a golf cart into a goal post and stealing a broadcaster’s microphone, with cheers from the crowd.—
Carolyn Burt,
Orange County Register,
9 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Curiously, the Trump White House seems to think that protecting Main Street Americans from rip-offs is an argument for the bureau’s extinction.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2025
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In Mason’s view, humans, as the only species known to have an awareness of extinction, have a unique moral obligation to preserve other life-forms from dangers such as asteroid strikes, nuclear war, or climate catastrophes.—
Dhruv Khullar,
The New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
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None of those players is still with the Sox as pitchers and catchers prepare to report for spring training Wednesday at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz. There are also changes in the dugout, most notably Will Venable as the new manager for a team coming off a modern-day MLB record 121 losses.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Feb. 2025
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Just two weeks ago, Boise State basketball was 5-4 in Mountain West play, had lost three straight road games following a last-second loss to Colorado State, and didn’t even seem to have an identity.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The company would be responsible for demolition and construction.—
Gloria Casas,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2025
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The demolition is valued at $4 million, according to the permit.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
30 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Ruination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruination. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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