Ruiner: meaning, definitions and examples

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ruiner

 

[ˈruːɪnər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

person

A person who spoils or ruins something.

Synonyms

destroyer, spoiler, wrecker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ruiner

Used to describe someone or something that ruins situations or experiences. Generally has a negative connotation.

  • The rain was a real ruiner of our picnic plans
  • Don't be a ruiner of everyone's good mood
spoiler

Used to indicate someone or something that reveals critical information, especially about plots in books, movies, or games. Has a negative connotation when used in this context.

  • She is a spoiler who always talks about movie endings
  • No spoilers, please! I haven't watched the episode yet
destroyer

Used to convey a more extreme form of ruin, often implying total destruction or annihilation.

  • The hurricane was a destroyer of entire communities
  • He is known as the destroyer of worlds
wrecker

Used to describe someone or something that causes serious damage or wrecks plans or relationships. It often implies physical or structural damage but can also refer to metaphorical destruction.

  • The car crash left the vehicle a complete wrecker
  • He was a home-wrecker who caused the end of their marriage

Examples of usage

  • He is such a ruiner, always causing trouble.
  • Don't invite him to the party, he's a real ruiner.
Context #2 | Noun

situation

Something that causes destruction or damage.

Synonyms

catastrophe, disaster, downfall.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ruiner

Typically used to describe someone or something that causes the destruction or downfall of another person, entity, or situation.

  • He's known as the ruiner of the company's reputation.
  • Her harsh criticism was the ruiner of his confidence.
disaster

Used to describe a significant misfortune or calamity, often less severe than a catastrophe but still involving great loss or disruption.

  • The event was poorly organized and turned into a disaster.
  • Her birthday party was a disaster because of the unexpected storm.
catastrophe

Generally used to describe a sudden and widespread disaster, often involving human or environmental factors.

  • The earthquake was a catastrophic event for the entire region.
  • His financial mismanagement resulted in a business catastrophe.
downfall

Used to describe the collapse or ruin of a person, organization, or system, often after a period of success. It can carry a negative connotation pointing to the factors contributing to this demise.

  • His arrogance was the main reason for his downfall.
  • Many believe that corruption led to the downfall of the empire.

Examples of usage

  • The storm was a real ruiner for our picnic plans.
  • The power outage was a ruiner for the event.
Context #3 | Noun

object

An object or tool that causes damage or destruction.

Synonyms

damaging object, destructive tool, negative element.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ruiner

The term 'ruiner' is often used to describe a person or thing that causes significant harm or spoils something. It carries a negative connotation, implying a deliberate or impactful action that leads to deterioration.

  • The loud noise was a ruiner for our peaceful evening.
  • They called him a ruiner after he leaked the critical information to competitors.
destructive tool

When referring to tools or instruments that are inherently designed to break, demolish, or nullify something, the phrase 'destructive tool' is appropriate. It often applies to physical tools but can also metaphorically describe certain tactics or methods used destructively.

  • A sledgehammer is a destructive tool often used in demolition work.
  • Rumors can be a destructive tool in the workplace.
damaging object

This phrase is typically used when referring to an inanimate object that causes harm or degradation. It might be used in more technical or formal discussions about physical harm or wear and tear.

  • The constant use of hard-bristle brushes is a damaging object for your wooden floors.
  • The acid rain acted as a damaging object to the statue’s surface.
negative element

This term is used in a broader sense to describe any factor, aspect, or component that has a harmful, detrimental, or unfavorable effect. It is versatile and can be applied in various contexts, including social, technical, or environmental discussions.

  • Stress is a negative element that affects mental health.
  • Pollution is a negative element impacting marine life.

Examples of usage

  • The weapon was used as a ruiner in the crime scene.
  • The virus was the ruiner of the computer system.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'ruina', meaning 'collapse' or 'downfall', showing a direct connection to destruction.
  • In English, it first appeared in the late Middle Ages, evolving in usage around moments of significant loss or failure.

Literature

  • Writers often use 'ruiners' as cautionary symbols to highlight the consequences of poor choices or deceit.
  • In classic literature, a character characterized as a 'ruiner' often experiences a downfall, serving as a moral lesson.

Psychology

  • People may unconsciously act as 'ruiners' when they sabotage their own success due to fear of failure or success.
  • In interpersonal relationships, a 'ruiner' can refer to someone whose negativity affects group dynamics and morale.

Pop Culture

  • In films or TV shows, characters labeled as 'ruiners' often provide comic relief by unwittingly damaging plans, exemplifying the humor in disasters.
  • The phrase 'party ruiner' has become a common trope in social discussions, often leading to memes and jokes about unwanted guests.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures illustrate 'ruiners' through folklore where characters undermine harmony, showcasing societal values about unity.
  • In various forms of art, 'ruiners' embody the struggle between dreams and disastrous realities, provoking reflection on human nature.

Translations

Translations of the word "ruiner" in other languages:

🇵🇹 arruinador

🇮🇳 बर्बाद करने वाला

🇩🇪 Zerstörer

🇮🇩 penghancur

🇺🇦 руйнівник

🇵🇱 niszczyciel

🇯🇵 破壊者

🇫🇷 détruiseur

🇪🇸 destructor

🇹🇷 yıkıcı

🇰🇷 파괴자

🇸🇦 مدمر

🇨🇿 ničitel

🇸🇰 ničiteľ

🇨🇳 破坏者

🇸🇮 uničevalec

🇮🇸 eyðileggjandi

🇰🇿 бүлдіргіш

🇬🇪 დამანგრეველი

🇦🇿 məhvedicisi

🇲🇽 destructor