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be ruined
/biː ˈruːɪnd/
to be completely destroyed or damaged
The flood ruined the entire village.
The flood completely destroyed the entire village.
general
to be completely destroyed or damaged beyond repair
The fire ruined all their belongings.
The fire destroyed all their belongings beyond repair.
His reputation was ruined by the scandal.
His reputation was completely damaged by the scandal.
Often used to describe physical destruction or severe damage to reputation, plans, or relationships.
Collocations
ruined bydestroyed or damaged by something specificruined beyond repaircompletely destroyed and unable to be fixed
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Literal vs. Figurative Use
Be aware that 'be ruined' can describe physical destruction or severe damage to abstract things like reputations or plans.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Always consider whether 'ruined' is being used literally (physical destruction) or figuratively (damage to reputation, plans, etc.).
Word Origin
From Middle English 'ruinen', from Old French 'ruiner', from Latin 'ruinare' meaning 'to collapse, fall down'.
Usage Notes
Can be used literally (physical destruction) or figuratively (damage to reputation, plans, etc.).
Word Breakdown
be
to exist in a certain state
verbruined
completely destroyed or damaged
past participleEnglish Dictionary