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Ruining Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ruining

[ˈruː.ɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

ruin

To spoil, damage, or destroy something completely. To make something unsuccessful or of no value.

Synonyms

damage, destroy, spoil, wreck.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ruining

Used when something is being drastically negatively transformed or when an experience is being significantly worsened.

  • The rain is ruining our picnic
  • He's ruining his career with that behavior
destroy

Implies complete and utter destruction, leaving nothing usable behind. Often used in dramatic contexts.

  • The fire destroyed the entire building
  • That mistake might destroy his chances of getting promoted
wreck

Often used when referring to physical destruction or serious damage, generally implying that what has been damaged is now useless or beyond repair.

  • The ship was wrecked on the rocks
  • He wrecked his car in the accident
spoil

Usually used when referring to making something less enjoyable or ruining food by letting it go bad.

  • Don't let the milk sit out too long, it will spoil
  • The loud music spoiled our quiet evening
damage

Typically used when referring to physical harm to an object or structure, but can also be applied to abstract concepts like reputation or relationships.

  • The storm caused severe damage to the house
  • The scandal could damage her reputation

Examples of usage

  • He was accused of ruining the company's reputation.
  • The heavy rain ruined our picnic.
  • She felt like she was ruining her chances of success.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural References

  • In literature, the concept of ruining often plays a significant role, like in Shakespeare's tragedies where characters' actions lead to their downfall.
  • Films and stories frequently explore themes of ruin, showing how a character's choices lead to negative outcomes, creating tension and moral lessons.

Psychology

  • People often struggle with the fear of ruining their relationships, which can lead to anxiety and overthinking.
  • The idea that one small mistake can lead to ruin is a common cognitive distortion known as 'catastrophizing,' often addressed in cognitive therapy.

Environmental Science

  • Human activities, such as pollution and deforestation, are causing the ruin of natural ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss.
  • Efforts in conservation aim to reverse the ruination of habitats, emphasizing sustainable practices to protect the planet.

Technology

  • In the digital age, data loss can be described as ruining important files, prompting the need for backups to prevent future issues.
  • Software updates are often designed to prevent the 'ruining' of system performance by patching errors and improving functionality.

Origin of 'ruining'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'ruina,' meaning 'a fall' or 'collapse,' reflecting how something can fall apart.
  • It has been in use in English since the late 14th century, often relating to buildings or structures that have broken down.

The word 'ruining' comes from the Old French word 'ruiner', which in turn comes from the Latin 'ruina', meaning 'a collapse' or 'a downfall'. The concept of ruining something has been present throughout history, as civilizations have witnessed the destruction and downfall of empires, buildings, and reputations. The verb 'ruining' encapsulates the idea of bringing about a state of ruin or destruction, highlighting the fragility and impermanence of things.

See also: ruin, ruination, ruined, ruiner, ruinous, ruins.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,444, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.