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
  • Thematic methodologies have been one of the downfalls of contemporary museology (and art history) generally, a crisis of collective memory and the historical imagination overall.
    — George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The Silver Academy was not the only institution housed on the Grass Campus that was hurt by the Harrisburg federation’s downfall.
    — Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of downfall
Noun
  • Photos quickly spread across Telegram channels, showing where the destruction has occurred.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
  • As rescuers carried the priest’s body away from the destruction, a photographer snapped a photo.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of destruction
Noun
  • For France, long accustomed to wildfires along arid stretches of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, the devastation in Le Porge has yielded rare consensus that its fire safety system is not up to fighting mega-fires brought on by climate change.
    — Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Hunter said it’s been sad to see photos of the devastation wrought by the fire.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of devastation
Noun
  • Although not a direct hit, Lala dumped nearly 3 feet of rain on the Big Island, bringing widespread havoc.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • In the movie, a group of teens accidentally release a bunch of monsters from Stine’s book collection, creating complete havoc and plenty of great family-friendly frights.
    — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of havoc
Noun
  • In 2023, Gates, along with Suleyman, Hassabis, and hundreds of other tech and policy leaders, signed a statement saying the risk of extinction from AI should be treated as a global priority alongside pandemics and nuclear war.
    — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Free mall parking is the latest complimentary perk on the verge of extinction.
    — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of extinction
Noun
  • Mayer’s three professional defeats have now all come in England, following split-decision losses to Alycia Baumgardner in London in 2022 and Natasha Jonas in Liverpool in 2024.
    — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • After missing the playoffs in 2025, Martin started off on a great note, handing a solid Mansfield program a 38-35 loss.
    — Charles Baggarly August 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of loss
Noun
  • But just a couple of hundred yards away, Israeli tanks and bulldozers are visible, and the demolition of buildings continues apace.
    — Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The Marriott Marquis hotel tower replaced five of them, including the beloved old Morosco, and outrage over their demolition continues to this day.
    — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of demolition

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Cite this Entry

“Ruination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruination. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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