Ruinous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
ruinous
[หruห.ษช.nษs ]
Definitions
in a state of destruction
Causing or likely to cause ruin; destructive; disastrous. Damaging beyond repair.
Synonyms
destructive, devastating, disastrous, ruining.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ruinous |
Used to describe something that causes severe damage, especially over time, often in a financial or structural sense.
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| destructive |
Appropriate for describing actions or events that cause significant physical damage or emotional harm.
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| disastrous |
Applies to situations that lead to disaster, implying a sudden and severe negative outcome.
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| devastating |
Often used to emphasize extreme emotional, physical, or economic damage, typically implying a sense of tragedy or irreparable harm.
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| ruining |
Frequently used to describe actions that spoil or destroy someone's plans, reputation, or property, often gradually.
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Examples of usage
- The earthquake left the city in a ruinous state.
- The ruinous effects of the war were felt for generations to come.
resulting in financial ruin
Involving a complete loss of money or assets; bankrupting.
Synonyms
bankrupt, bankrupting, financially devastating.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ruinous |
Repeated; it can refer to actions or situations that have the potential to bring substantial harm or destruction, often financially or structurally.
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| bankrupting |
Refers to the act of causing someone or something to become bankrupt. It often describes ongoing actions that lead to financial ruin.
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| bankrupt |
Describes someone or something that is financially insolvent, unable to pay debts. It can be used in both a literal and figurative sense.
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| financially devastating |
Used to describe events or circumstances that cause extreme financial loss or hardship.
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Examples of usage
- The ruinous investment led to the company's downfall.
- The ruinous gambling habit left him penniless.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', charactersโ actions lead to ruinous fates, showing the consequences of unchecked ambition.
- Many classic tales feature ruinous decisions by protagonists, highlighting the moral lessons of the harm caused by their choices.
- The concept of ruin is a recurring theme in Romantic poetry, where nature's power can lead to the downfall of human endeavors.
Psychology
- Making ruinous choices often stems from cognitive biases, where emotions cloud judgment, leading to harmful outcomes.
- The 'sunk cost fallacy' explains why people continue to invest in failing endeavors, risking a ruinous result.
- Fear of failure can lead to avoidance of risks that could prevent ruinous situations, demonstrating how perception shapes outcomes.
Cultural References
- In many cultures, stories of ruin are used as cautionary tales, teaching the lessons of greed and neglect.
- Ruins, both architectural and cultural, fascinate tourists and historians alike, revealing stories of past prosperity turned to decay.
- The concept has been explored in films, where characters face ruinous consequences due to their actions or societal systems.
Economics
- In financial contexts, a bad investment is often described as ruinous, emphasizing the severity of losses that can occur.
- The Great Depression is often viewed as a ruinous event that reshaped economies and social structures worldwide.
- Unsustainable practices in industries can lead to ruinous environmental damage, impacting future generations.
Origin of 'ruinous'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'ruina', meaning 'a falling down', which is related to the idea of collapse.
- It was first recorded in English around the 15th century, used to describe something destructive or leading to downfall.
- Related words like 'ruin' and 'ruined' share the same root, emphasizing the theme of decay or loss.
The word 'ruinous' originated from the Latin word 'ruinลsus', which means 'causing ruin'. It has been used in English since the 15th century. The term has evolved over time to describe something that is destructive, disastrous, or financially devastating. The concept of ruin has been a part of human history, representing the destruction or collapse of structures, economies, or lives.