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B1 Adjective #38 am häufigsten 11 Min. Lesezeit

ruined

Top 38

At the A1 level, 'ruined' is a word you might use to describe something that is very bad or broken. You can think of it as a stronger version of 'broken' or 'not good'. For example, if you have a favorite toy and it breaks so much that you cannot play with it anymore, you might say it is 'ruined'. If you are eating an ice cream and it falls on the ground, the ice cream is 'ruined'. It is a word for when something is finished in a bad way. You use it for simple things like food, toys, or a day at the park when it starts to rain. At this level, don't worry about the complex meanings. Just remember that 'ruined' means something was good, but now it is very bad and you cannot use it or enjoy it. It is a sad word because it means something nice is gone. For example, 'The rain ruined my picnic' or 'My shoes are ruined because of the mud'. It is a useful word to show that you are unhappy about something that happened to your things or your plans.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'ruined' to describe more than just broken toys. You can use it for situations and plans. If you plan a trip to the beach but it rains all day, your trip is 'ruined'. If you are cooking and you burn the food, the dinner is 'ruined'. You are beginning to understand that 'ruined' means something is spoiled or made useless. It is often used with the verb 'to be' (is, was, were). For example, 'The surprise was ruined' or 'The cake was ruined'. You can also use it to describe clothes, like 'My new shirt is ruined because of the ink'. At this level, you should know that 'ruined' is stronger than 'damaged'. If something is damaged, you might still use it. If it is ruined, it is usually finished. You will also see this word in stories when a character is very sad about a mistake. It helps you express a higher level of disappointment. Remember, 'ruined' is the state of the object after something bad happens. It is a very common word in daily life for small accidents that feel like big problems.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'ruined' for both physical objects and abstract ideas like reputations or careers. You understand that 'ruined' implies a significant loss of value or quality. You might use it to describe an ancient building, calling it a 'ruined castle'. This shows you understand the historical context of the word. You can also use it in more complex sentences, such as 'His reputation was ruined after the news report'. Here, 'ruined' isn't about a physical break, but about how people think of him. You are also learning common collocations like 'completely ruined' or 'utterly ruined'. You can distinguish between 'ruined' and 'spoiled'. For example, you might say a child is 'spoiled' (given too much), but a plan is 'ruined' (failed). You also recognize that 'ruined' can be used hyperbolically in casual conversation, such as 'You ruined the movie by telling me the ending!' At this level, you can use 'ruined' to add more emotion and detail to your descriptions of events and objects. It is a key word for expressing the finality of a negative outcome.

At the B2 level, you can use 'ruined' with greater nuance and precision. You understand its role as a past participle used as an adjective and can use it in various grammatical structures, including passive voice and as an attributive adjective (e.g., 'the ruined city'). You are aware of the emotional weight the word carries and can use it to describe profound life changes, such as being 'financially ruined' or having a 'ruined life'. You can also use it to discuss more complex topics like the environment ('ruined ecosystems') or politics ('ruined diplomatic relations'). You understand the difference between 'ruined', 'devastated', and 'marred', and can choose the most appropriate word for the context. For instance, you know that 'marred' is better for a slight imperfection that spoils a whole, while 'ruined' is for a more total failure. You are also familiar with idioms and common phrases involving 'ruin'. Your use of 'ruined' helps you convey a sense of tragedy, finality, or extreme frustration in both formal and informal settings. You can also identify the word in literature, where it often symbolizes decay, the passage of time, or the consequences of human folly.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of 'ruined' and its many layers of meaning. You can use it to describe subtle shifts in quality or state, and you understand its metaphorical applications in depth. You might use it in academic or professional contexts to describe the 'ruined integrity' of a data set or the 'ruined prospects' of a failed merger. You are sensitive to the word's register and know when to use more formal alternatives like 'vitiated', 'compromised', or 'blighted'. You can appreciate the aesthetic and philosophical connotations of 'ruins' in art and history, discussing how 'ruined' structures evoke the sublime or the 'memento mori' tradition. You are also adept at using 'ruined' in complex narrative structures to foreshadow failure or to emphasize the irreversible nature of a character's actions. Your vocabulary includes a wide range of synonyms and you can explain the precise difference between 'ruined', 'dilapidated', 'shattered', and 'perished'. You use 'ruined' not just to describe a state, but to evoke a specific mood or to make a strong rhetorical point about the impact of an event or process.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'ruined' is complete. You can use the word with effortless precision in any context, from the most casual slang to the most formal academic discourse. You understand the historical etymology of the word and how its meaning has evolved over centuries. You can use 'ruined' to explore existential themes, such as 'ruined potential' or the 'ruined state of modern society', with a high degree of eloquence. You are aware of the most obscure collocations and can use the word in creative, non-standard ways to achieve specific stylistic effects. You can analyze the use of 'ruined' in classical literature and poetry, understanding how it functions as a motif for the transience of human achievement. Your ability to distinguish between 'ruined' and its most closely related synonyms is absolute, and you can provide detailed explanations of the subtle connotations each word carries. Whether you are discussing the 'ruined' acoustics of a renovated hall or the 'ruined' legacy of a historical figure, your use of the word is always perfectly judged for the audience and the purpose. You see 'ruined' as a versatile tool for expressing the complex reality of loss, decay, and the end of things.

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Ruined describes something that is severely damaged, spoiled, or made useless, often in a way that feels final or irreversible.
It can apply to physical objects (ruined clothes), abstract concepts (ruined plans), or historical structures (ancient ruins).
Commonly used to express high levels of disappointment or to describe the aftermath of a disaster or significant mistake.
It is a stronger word than 'damaged' and often follows linking verbs like 'is', 'was', or 'became'.

The word ruined is a powerful adjective used to describe something that has been so severely damaged or altered that it has lost its original value, function, beauty, or integrity. When we say something is ruined, we are often implying that the damage is irreversible or so significant that the object or situation can no longer serve its intended purpose. This word spans across various domains of human experience, from the physical destruction of ancient civilizations to the emotional devastation of a spoiled surprise. In everyday conversation, people use 'ruined' to express frustration over minor inconveniences, like a ruined pair of shoes after walking through mud, but it also carries heavy weight in formal contexts, such as describing a ruined reputation or a ruined economy.

Physical Destruction: Refers to objects or structures that are broken beyond repair. For example, a house ruined by a flood or a car ruined in a high-speed collision.
Abstract Failure: Refers to non-physical things like plans, reputations, or opportunities that have been completely spoiled. A scandal might leave a politician's career ruined.
Emotional and Social Impact: Used to describe a person's state of mind or a social event that did not go as planned, leading to a sense of total loss or disappointment.

The heavy rain completely ruined our outdoor wedding ceremony, forcing everyone to run for cover.

The term is also deeply connected to history. When we visit 'ruins,' we are looking at the ruined remains of buildings that were once grand. In this context, 'ruined' evokes a sense of nostalgia and the passage of time. It suggests a fall from grace or a transition from a state of perfection to a state of decay. Whether it is a ruined piece of fruit that has gone rotten or a ruined friendship that can never be mended, the core essence of the word remains the same: the loss of a previous, better state.

After the scandal was leaked to the press, his once-stellar reputation was ruined beyond any hope of recovery.

The chef was devastated to find that the entire batch of soup was ruined because he accidentally added too much salt.

Ancient castles often stand as ruined monuments to a past era of kings and knights.

I felt like my whole life was ruined when I failed that crucial entrance exam, though I later realized I had other options.

Hyperbolic Use: In casual English, people often exaggerate. Saying 'You ruined the movie!' because someone told you the ending is a common hyperbolic use.
Financial Context: To be 'financially ruined' means to lose all one's money or to go bankrupt, often implying a permanent change in lifestyle.

Using 'ruined' correctly requires an understanding of its role as an adjective that often follows a linking verb like 'is', 'was', 'became', or 'felt'. It describes the state of a noun. While it is the past participle of the verb 'to ruin', in most everyday contexts, it functions purely to describe the condition of something. When you use 'ruined', you are focusing on the result of a negative action rather than the action itself. For instance, 'The cake is ruined' focuses on the inedible state of the cake, whereas 'The cat ruined the cake' focuses on the cat's destructive behavior.

As a Predicate Adjective: This is the most common usage. Example: 'The surprise was ruined when she saw the decorations early.'
As an Attributive Adjective: Placed before the noun. Example: 'They walked through the ruined streets of the abandoned city.'

Her expensive silk dress was ruined by a single drop of red wine.

It is important to note the intensity of 'ruined'. It is much stronger than 'damaged'. If a phone has a small scratch, it is damaged. If a phone is dropped in the ocean and will never turn on again, it is ruined. This distinction helps you convey the appropriate level of severity in your writing and speech. Furthermore, 'ruined' can be modified by adverbs to add emphasis, such as 'completely ruined', 'utterly ruined', or 'financially ruined'. These collocations are very common and help to paint a clearer picture of the extent of the destruction.

The athlete's career was ruined after a series of devastating knee injuries.

The holiday was ruined by constant arguments between the family members.

He stood amidst the ruined remains of his laboratory after the explosion.

The painting was ruined when the museum's roof leaked during the storm.

Passive Voice: Often used in passive constructions to show that something happened to the subject. Example: 'The crop was ruined by the frost.'
Degree Adverbs: Words like 'totally', 'absolutely', and 'virtually' often precede 'ruined' to show how bad the situation is.

In the real world, 'ruined' is a staple of both dramatic storytelling and mundane complaints. You will hear it in news broadcasts discussing the aftermath of natural disasters, where 'ruined homes' and 'ruined livelihoods' are common phrases. In the world of business and finance, analysts might speak of 'ruined investments' or 'ruined companies' following a market crash. However, you are just as likely to hear it in a kitchen when someone burns the toast and exclaims, 'Well, that's ruined!' This versatility makes it one of the most useful adjectives for expressing a state of total failure or destruction.

In Literature and Film: Characters often lament their 'ruined lives' or 'ruined hopes'. It adds a sense of tragedy and finality to a scene.
In Travel and Tourism: Travel guides frequently mention 'ruined temples' or 'ruined cities' like Pompeii or Machu Picchu, where the word takes on a more historical and even romantic tone.

The documentary highlighted how the oil spill had ruined the local ecosystem for decades to come.

Social media has also adopted 'ruined' in a specific way, particularly in the context of 'spoilers'. If someone reveals the ending of a popular TV show, fans will complain that the show has been 'ruined' for them. This highlights the subjective nature of the word; what is ruined for one person might still be enjoyable for another. In legal contexts, 'ruined' might appear in discussions of 'libel' or 'slander', where a person's reputation is claimed to be ruined by false statements. The word carries a sense of permanence that makes it a key term in describing significant losses.

'You ruined the surprise!' he laughed, as he walked into the room and saw his birthday cake.

The earthquake left the historic district in a ruined state, with many buildings collapsed.

Many small businesses were ruined during the long period of economic instability.

The ending of the book was ruined by a careless comment on a social media post.

News Headlines: 'Crop Ruined by Drought', 'Reputation Ruined by Scandal', 'Ruined Cities Rebuild'.
Everyday Exclamations: 'Oh no, my hair is ruined!' or 'This day is totally ruined!'

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using 'ruined' when they actually mean 'broken' or 'damaged'. While these words are related, they are not always interchangeable. 'Broken' usually refers to a physical object that has separated into pieces but might still be fixable (like a broken chair). 'Damaged' refers to an object that has some flaws but still functions (like a damaged car door). 'Ruined' implies a much higher degree of severity—the object is essentially useless or has lost its primary value. For example, if you spill water on a book and the pages are slightly wrinkled, it is damaged. If you drop the book in a bathtub and the ink runs and the pages stick together, it is ruined.

Ruined vs. Destroyed: 'Destroyed' often implies total physical annihilation (like a building blown up). 'Ruined' can be more subtle, referring to the loss of quality or function (like a ruined reputation).
Ruined vs. Spoiled: 'Spoiled' is often used for food or children. While food can be 'ruined', 'spoiled' is the more specific term for biological decay.

Incorrect: My phone is ruined because the screen has a tiny scratch. (Better: My phone is slightly damaged.)

Another mistake is the confusion between 'ruined' (the adjective/past participle) and 'ruining' (the present participle). 'Ruining' describes the ongoing process of destruction, while 'ruined' describes the final state. If it is raining during your picnic, the rain is 'ruining' the picnic. Once you go home wet and unhappy, the picnic is 'ruined'. Additionally, some learners forget that 'ruined' can be used for abstract concepts. It is perfectly correct to say 'my weekend was ruined', even though a weekend is not a physical object that can be smashed.

Incorrect: He is ruined the party. (Correct: He ruined the party [verb] or The party is ruined [adjective].)

The surprise was ruined when he found the hidden gift in the closet.

The reputation of the company was ruined by the unethical behavior of its executives.

The ancient city of Troy was ruined after years of war and siege.

Verb vs. Adjective: Remember that 'ruined' can be the past tense of the verb (He ruined it) or the adjective (It is ruined). The meaning is similar, but the grammar is different.
Contextual Appropriateness: Avoid using 'ruined' for very trivial things in formal writing. In a business report, use 'negatively impacted' instead of 'ruined'.

While 'ruined' is a versatile word, choosing a more specific synonym can make your writing more precise and evocative. For example, if you are talking about a person's feelings, 'devastated' might be a better choice. If you are talking about a physical structure that has been leveled, 'demolished' or 'destroyed' might be more accurate. Understanding the nuances between these alternatives allows you to tailor your language to the specific context and intensity of the situation you are describing.

Destroyed: Implies total physical annihilation. A building is destroyed by a bomb; a reputation is ruined by a lie.
Spoiled: Often used for food that has gone bad or a child who is over-indulged. It can also refer to a plan that was slightly messed up.
Wrecked: Commonly used for vehicles (a wrecked car) or physical states (I'm wrecked after that workout).
Marred: A more formal word meaning to spoil the perfection of something. 'The view was marred by the new skyscrapers.'

The old mansion was dilapidated, which is a specific type of ruined state referring to long-term neglect.

In formal or academic writing, you might encounter words like 'vitiated' or 'invalidated'. These are very specific types of 'ruining'. For instance, a contract might be 'vitiated' by a legal error, meaning its legal force is ruined. In everyday speech, 'messed up' or 'screwed up' are common informal alternatives, though they lack the weight and finality of 'ruined'. Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to sound dramatic, clinical, or casual. 'Ruined' sits comfortably in the middle, making it a safe and effective choice for most situations.

The entire project was botched from the start due to poor planning.

The athlete's dreams were shattered after the accident, a more poetic way of saying ruined.

The once-beautiful landscape was blighted by industrial pollution.

The surprise party was compromised when the guest of honor arrived early.

Dilapidated: Specifically for buildings that are falling apart due to age and neglect.
Tarnished: Often used for reputations or metals. It means the shine or good name has been lost.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

"The archaeological site contains several ruined structures from the third century."

Neutral

"The rain ruined our plans for a picnic."

Informell

"Ugh, my hair is totally ruined by this wind!"

Child friendly

"Oh no! The sandcastle is ruined because the wave hit it."

Umgangssprache

"That exam absolutely ruined me; I'm so tired."

Wusstest du?

The word 'ruins' (plural noun) and 'ruined' (adjective) come from the same root, but 'ruins' usually refers specifically to ancient buildings, while 'ruined' can describe anything from a cake to a career.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ˈruːɪnd/

US /ˈruːɪnd/

The stress is on the first syllable: RU-ined.

Reimt sich auf

tuned pruned mooned swooned festooned lampooned communed immunized (partial)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing it as one syllable (like 'ruind').
Over-emphasizing the 'ed' at the end.
Confusing the vowel sound with 'round'.
Dropping the 'i' sound in the middle.
Pronouncing the 'u' like the 'u' in 'run'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize in most texts.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires understanding of the difference between verb and adjective.

Sprechen 3/5

Commonly used in daily speech.

Hören 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be used hyperbolically.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

broken bad damage spoil end

Als Nächstes lernen

devastated dilapidated vitiated catastrophe irreversible

Fortgeschritten

decadence obliteration atrophy perdition desolation

Wichtige Grammatik

Past Participles as Adjectives

The 'ruined' city (ruined describes the city).

Passive Voice

The cake 'was ruined' by the cat.

Linking Verbs

The surprise 'became' ruined.

Adverbial Modification

It was 'completely' ruined.

Transitive Verbs

The rain 'ruined' the game.

Beispiele nach Niveau

The rain ruined my new shoes.

La pluie a gâché mes nouvelles chaussures.

Simple past verb usage.

My ice cream is ruined because it fell.

Ma glace est gâchée parce qu'elle est tombée.

Predicate adjective after 'is'.

The cake is ruined; it is too salty.

Le gâteau est gâché ; il est trop salé.

Adjective describing the cake.

He ruined the surprise party.

Il a gâché la fête surprise.

Transitive verb usage.

The storm ruined our day at the park.

La tempête a gâché notre journée au parc.

Subject + verb + object.

My drawing is ruined by the water.

Mon dessin est gâché par l'eau.

Passive voice construction.

Is the movie ruined now?

Le film est-il gâché maintenant ?

Interrogative form.

The toy is ruined and cannot be fixed.

Le jouet est gâché et ne peut pas être réparé.

Adjective with a conjunction.

Our holiday was ruined by the bad weather.

Nos vacances ont été gâchées par le mauvais temps.

Passive voice with 'was'.

The dinner was ruined when the oven broke.

Le dîner a été gâché quand le four est tombé en panne.

Time clause with 'when'.

She felt like her dress was ruined after the spill.

Elle avait l'impression que sa robe était gâchée après l'éclaboussure.

Noun clause after 'felt like'.

The surprise was ruined because he saw the gift.

La surprise a été gâchée parce qu'il a vu le cadeau.

Reason clause with 'because'.

The painting was ruined by the damp wall.

Le tableau a été gâché par le mur humide.

Agent introduced by 'by'.

Don't touch it! You'll get it ruined.

Ne le touche pas ! Tu vas le gâcher.

Causative-like structure 'get it ruined'.

The garden was ruined after the flood.

Le jardin a été gâché après l'inondation.

Prepositional phrase 'after the flood'.

His phone was ruined when he dropped it in the pool.

Son téléphone a été gâché quand il l'a fait tomber dans la piscine.

Past participle as adjective.

The ancient castle is now a ruined monument.

Le vieux château est maintenant un monument en ruines.

Attributive adjective before 'monument'.

His reputation was ruined by the false accusations.

Sa réputation a été ruinée par les fausses accusations.

Abstract noun as subject.

The entire crop was ruined by the unexpected frost.

Toute la récolte a été ruinée par le gel inattendu.

Quantifier 'entire' with 'crop'.

I'm afraid the surprise is completely ruined now.

J'ai bien peur que la surprise soit complètement gâchée maintenant.

Adverb 'completely' modifying 'ruined'.

The project was ruined due to a lack of funding.

Le projet a été ruiné à cause d'un manque de financement.

Prepositional phrase 'due to'.

She was devastated to find her work ruined.

Elle était dévastée de trouver son travail gâché.

Object complement 'ruined'.

The atmosphere of the party was ruined by the argument.

L'ambiance de la fête a été gâchée par la dispute.

Abstract subject 'atmosphere'.

He stood looking at the ruined remains of his house.

Il se tenait là, regardant les restes ruinés de sa maison.

Adjective modifying 'remains'.

The company was financially ruined by the market crash.

L'entreprise a été ruinée financièrement par le krach boursier.

Adverb 'financially' specifying the type of ruin.

Her career was ruined before it even truly began.

Sa carrière a été ruinée avant même d'avoir vraiment commencé.

Temporal clause 'before it even...'.

The ecosystem was ruined by years of industrial pollution.

L'écosystème a été ruiné par des années de pollution industrielle.

Passive voice with long-term cause.

They walked through the ruined streets of the ghost town.

Ils ont marché dans les rues ruinées de la ville fantôme.

Attributive adjective in a prepositional phrase.

The plan was ruined by a series of unfortunate events.

Le plan a été ruiné par une série d'événements malheureux.

Collective noun 'series of'.

His health was ruined by a lifetime of hard labor.

Sa santé a été ruinée par une vie de travail acharné.

Abstract subject 'health'.

The surprise was ruined when she accidentally overheard them.

La surprise a été gâchée quand elle les a accidentellement entendus.

Adverb 'accidentally' in the time clause.

The once-vibrant city lay in a ruined state after the war.

La ville autrefois vibrante gisait dans un état de ruine après la guerre.

Compound adjective 'once-vibrant'.

The integrity of the experiment was ruined by the contamination.

L'intégrité de l'expérience a été ruinée par la contamination.

Formal subject 'integrity'.

A ruined reputation is often impossible to fully restore.

Une réputation ruinée est souvent impossible à restaurer complètement.

Gerund phrase as subject.

The landscape was ruined by the unsightly new development.

Le paysage a été ruiné par le nouveau développement inesthétique.

Adjective 'unsightly' modifying 'development'.

His chances of winning were ruined by a single tactical error.

Ses chances de gagner ont été ruinées par une seule erreur tactique.

Plural subject 'chances'.

The historical significance of the site was ruined by the renovation.

La signification historique du site a été ruinée par la rénovation.

Abstract noun phrase as subject.

She gazed at the ruined splendor of the ancient palace.

Elle contemplait la splendeur ruinée de l'ancien palais.

Oxymoron-like phrase 'ruined splendor'.

The witness's credibility was ruined during cross-examination.

La crédibilité du témoin a été ruinée pendant le contre-interrogatoire.

Legal context.

The peace of the morning was ruined by the sound of sirens.

La paix du matin a été gâchée par le son des sirènes.

Metaphorical use for sensory experience.

The author explores the theme of ruined potential in his latest novel.

L'auteur explore le thème du potentiel ruiné dans son dernier roman.

Abstract concept as object of preposition.

The treaty was ruined by the persistent bad faith of both parties.

Le traité a été ruiné par la mauvaise foi persistante des deux parties.

Complex abstract subject and agent.

He found himself in a ruined state of mind after the tragedy.

Il se retrouva dans un état d'esprit ruiné après la tragédie.

Metaphorical use for psychological state.

The aesthetic of the film was ruined by the poor CGI.

L'esthétique du film a été gâchée par les mauvais effets spéciaux.

Technical/artistic context.

The economic future of the region was ruined by the closure of the mines.

L'avenir économique de la région a été ruiné par la fermeture des mines.

Future-oriented abstract subject.

The delicate balance of the ecosystem was ruined by the invasive species.

L'équilibre délicat de l'écosystème a été ruiné par les espèces envahissantes.

Scientific context.

The ruined grandeur of the opera house was still evident despite the decay.

La grandeur ruinée de l'opéra était encore évidente malgré le délabrement.

Noun phrase with multiple modifiers.

Her life's work was ruined in a single night of senseless violence.

Le travail de toute sa vie a été ruiné en une seule nuit de violence insensée.

Strong emotional and narrative weight.

Häufige Kollokationen

completely ruined

utterly ruined

financially ruined

ruined reputation

ruined city

ruined crop

ruined life

virtually ruined

ruined remains

ruined surprise

Häufige Phrasen

ruined for life

ruined beyond repair

ruined to the core

all but ruined

ruined my day

ruined the mood

ruined the ending

ruined the fun

ruined the chances

ruined expectations

Wird oft verwechselt mit

ruined vs broken

Broken means separated into pieces; ruined means made useless or spoiled.

ruined vs damaged

Damaged is less severe than ruined. Damaged things can often be used; ruined things usually cannot.

ruined vs spoiled

Spoiled is specifically for food or over-indulged children.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"go to rack and ruin"

To gradually fall into a state of decay or destruction.

The old estate was allowed to go to rack and ruin.

formal/literary

"ruin someone's day"

To do something that makes someone unhappy for the rest of the day.

Losing my keys really ruined my day.

informal

"the road to ruin"

A course of action that will lead to disaster.

Gambling is a sure road to ruin.

neutral

"ruin the party"

To spoil a social occasion, often by being negative.

Don't bring up politics; you'll ruin the party.

informal

"ruin one's chances"

To do something that makes it impossible to succeed.

He ruined his chances by arriving late to the interview.

neutral

"ruin the surprise"

To reveal a secret before the intended time.

Don't tell her about the cake; you'll ruin the surprise.

neutral

"ruin someone's reputation"

To destroy the good opinion people have of someone.

The false rumors ruined her reputation.

neutral

"ruined for anyone else"

To be so good that everything else seems bad by comparison.

That amazing meal has ruined Italian food for me; nothing else is as good.

informal

"ruin the atmosphere"

To spoil the feeling or mood of a place.

The loud music ruined the peaceful atmosphere of the spa.

neutral

"ruin the moment"

To say or do something inappropriate at a special time.

His phone rang and ruined the romantic moment.

informal

Leicht verwechselbar

ruined vs destroyed

Both mean something is finished.

Destroyed is more physical and violent; ruined can be more subtle or abstract.

The city was destroyed by the bomb, but his life was ruined by the secret.

ruined vs marred

Both mean something is not perfect anymore.

Marred is for a small flaw; ruined is for a total failure.

The table was marred by a scratch, but the whole room was ruined by the fire.

ruined vs wrecked

Both imply a bad state.

Wrecked is often for vehicles or physical exhaustion.

The car was wrecked, and the driver's career was ruined.

ruined vs devastated

Both show a very bad outcome.

Devastated is usually for emotions or landscape; ruined is for function or value.

The forest was devastated by fire, and the timber industry was ruined.

ruined vs dilapidated

Both describe old buildings.

Dilapidated implies neglect over time; ruined implies destruction or decay.

The dilapidated house eventually became a ruined shell.

Satzmuster

The [noun] is ruined.

The cake is ruined.

The [noun] was ruined by [noun].

The dress was ruined by the ink.

My [abstract noun] was ruined.

My reputation was ruined.

He was [adverb] ruined.

He was financially ruined.

The [noun] of the [noun] was ruined.

The integrity of the data was ruined.

Amidst the [adjective] ruins of...

Amidst the shattered ruins of his former life...

A ruined [noun]...

A ruined castle stood on the hill.

I ruined the [noun].

I ruined the surprise.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in both spoken and written English.

Häufige Fehler

The car is ruin. → The car is ruined.
You must use the adjective form 'ruined' to describe the state.
He ruined to the party. → He ruined the party.
'Ruin' is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'to'.
My phone is ruined because it has a small scratch. → My phone is damaged because it has a small scratch.
'Ruined' is too strong for a minor scratch.
The rain is ruined the picnic. → The rain is ruining the picnic.
Use the present participle 'ruining' for an ongoing action.
His reputation was ruined from the news. → His reputation was ruined by the news.
Use 'by' to indicate the agent or cause of the ruin.

Tipps

Choose the right intensity

Use 'ruined' for total loss and 'damaged' for partial loss.

Verb vs Adjective

Remember that 'ruined' can be an action (He ruined it) or a state (It is ruined).

Abstract use

Don't forget to use 'ruined' for plans, reputations, and moods.

Hyperbole

In casual speech, you can use 'ruined' to exaggerate your disappointment.

Historical ruins

Use 'ruined' as an adjective for ancient buildings to sound more descriptive.

Common pairs

Learn 'completely ruined' and 'financially ruined' as set phrases.

Two syllables

Make sure to pronounce both syllables: RU-ined.

Avoid repetition

If you use 'ruined' once, try 'spoiled' or 'wrecked' later in the text.

Identify the cause

When you hear 'ruined', look for the 'by' phrase to find the cause.

Visualizing

Visualize a burnt cake to remember the meaning of 'ruined'.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'Ruin' as a 'Run' that went wrong. If you 'run' into a wall, you might be 'ruined'.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a beautiful silk dress with a giant, dark ink stain right in the middle. That dress is ruined.

Word Web

broken spoiled destroyed failed decayed lost damaged wrecked

Herausforderung

Try to use 'ruined' in three different ways today: once for an object, once for a plan, and once for a feeling.

Wortherkunft

From the Latin 'ruina', which means 'a falling down' or 'a collapse'. This comes from the verb 'ruere', meaning 'to fall violently'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The word originally referred to the physical act of a building falling down.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Old French > Middle English.

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when using 'ruined' to describe a person's life, as it can sound very harsh and insensitive.

Commonly used in sports commentary when a player makes a game-losing mistake.

The Ruined Maid by Thomas Hardy The Ruins of Empires by Volney Ruined (play) by Lynn Nottage

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Cooking

ruined the sauce
ruined the batch
ruined dinner
ruined the taste

Weather

ruined by rain
ruined by the storm
ruined by frost
ruined by the heat

Social Life

ruined the surprise
ruined the party
ruined the mood
ruined the secret

Finance

financially ruined
ruined investment
ruined economy
ruined credit

History

ruined castle
ruined temple
ruined city
ancient ruins

Gesprächseinstiege

"Have you ever had a holiday that was ruined by the weather?"

"What is the most expensive thing you have ever ruined by accident?"

"Do you think a person's reputation can ever be fixed once it is ruined?"

"Has anyone ever ruined the ending of a movie for you?"

"What do you do when a plan you made is completely ruined?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe a time when a small mistake ruined a big plan. How did you feel?

Write about a beautiful ruined building you have seen or would like to visit.

Is it possible for something 'ruined' to still be beautiful? Explain your thoughts.

Reflect on a time you thought your life was ruined, but things eventually got better.

How does the concept of 'ruin' apply to the environment in the modern world?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, but it usually refers to their reputation, career, or financial state, rather than their physical body. Example: 'He was ruined by the scandal.'

Generally, yes. However, in art and history, 'ruins' can be seen as beautiful or romantic. Example: 'The ruined abbey was a popular spot for painters.'

'Ruin' can be a verb (to ruin) or a noun (a ruin). 'Ruined' is the adjective or the past tense of the verb. Example: 'Don't ruin the surprise' vs 'The surprise is ruined'.

In some informal British English contexts, yes, but it is more common to say 'I'm wrecked' or 'I'm exhausted'.

Yes, 'ruined' implies that the thing is no longer useful or valuable, while 'damaged' just means it has some flaws.

The plural is 'ruins'. It often refers to the remains of ancient buildings.

Yes, if you cook it badly or add too much of an ingredient, the food is ruined. If it goes bad naturally, we usually say it is 'spoiled'.

It means a person or company has lost all their money and cannot pay their debts.

Yes, many people feel that knowing the ending 'ruins' the experience of watching the movie for the first time.

Yes, it is a very common word in English across all levels of formality.