# ruined

/ˈɹuənd/ (US) · /ɹˈuːɪnd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ruined
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. destroyed or damaged

adjective · CEFR B1

broken, destroyed, or badly damaged so that it cannot be used.

For teachers: reduced to a state of decay, collapse, or worthlessness through damage or neglect.

- The rain ruined my new shoes while I was walking home.
- The historic district was left ruined after the floodwaters receded, leaving many residents to wonder if the original architecture could ever be restored.

### 2. dilapidated buildings

adjective · CEFR B2

describes old buildings that have fallen down or are in very bad condition.

For teachers: existing in a state of physical ruin or structural decay, typically referring to ancient or abandoned architecture.

- We visited the ruined castle on the hill during our holiday.
- The landscape was dotted with ruined abbeys, their roofless shells serving as a haunting reminder of the region's medieval history.

### 3. bankrupt

adjective · CEFR B2

having lost all your money or your good reputation.

For teachers: socially, financially, or morally destroyed; often used to describe total insolvency.

- The scandal left the businessman ruined and without any friends.
- After the stock market crash, many investors found themselves ruined, having lost their entire life savings in a single afternoon of trading.

### 4. very drunk or high

adjective · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

feeling very sick or unable to think because of too much alcohol or drugs.

For teachers: incapacitated or severely impaired by the effects of drugs or alcohol.

- He was completely ruined after the party and couldn't even stand up.
- The group arrived at the diner looking absolutely ruined, clearly suffering the consequences of their late-night celebrations.

Usage: Usually follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'get'.

## Examples

- The heavy rain ruined my new shoes.
- The surprise party was ruined when the guest of honor arrived an hour earlier than expected.
- The once-grand estate stood ruined and overgrown, a haunting reminder of the family's former wealth before the economic collapse of the previous decade.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.