Ruinous: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that causes severe damage, especially over time, often in a financial or structural sense.

• The ruinous effects of the economic crisis were felt across the entire country.
• The old mansion was in a ruinous state after years of neglect.

Appropriate for describing actions or events that cause significant physical damage or emotional harm.

• The hurricane had a destructive impact on the coastal towns.
• His destructive behavior caused a lot of pain to his family.

Applies to situations that lead to disaster, implying a sudden and severe negative outcome.

• The surprise storm had disastrous consequences for the farmers.
• The company's new policy turned out to be disastrous for its sales.

Often used to emphasize extreme emotional, physical, or economic damage, typically implying a sense of tragedy or irreparable harm.

• The war had a devastating effect on the population.
• Losing her job was a devastating blow to her self-esteem.

Frequently used to describe actions that spoil or destroy someone's plans, reputation, or property, often gradually.

• Scandalous gossip was ruining his reputation in the community.
• The constant leaks were ruining the wooden floors.

Repeated; it can refer to actions or situations that have the potential to bring substantial harm or destruction, often financially or structurally.

• The prolonged drought had a ruinous impact on the agricultural sector.
• Their lawsuit resulted in ruinous legal fees.

Refers to the act of causing someone or something to become bankrupt. It often describes ongoing actions that lead to financial ruin.

• The constant legal battles are bankrupting the small business.
• Lavish spending on unnecessary projects is bankrupting the organization.

Describes someone or something that is financially insolvent, unable to pay debts. It can be used in both a literal and figurative sense.

• The company went bankrupt after a series of poor financial decisions.
• After losing his job, he found himself emotionally bankrupt.

Used to describe events or circumstances that cause extreme financial loss or hardship.

• The medical bills were financially devastating for the family.
• The loss of their primary client proved to be financially devastating for the firm.