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Definition of ruinous

ruinous

/ˈruː.ɪ.nəs/
ru · in · ous
Adverb:ruinously
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ruinous Lexical Profile

ruinous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Causing severe damage, destruction, or financial ruin; disastrous.

Example

"The prolonged drought had a ruinous effect on the region's agricultural economy."

2

In a state of physical decay, collapse, or disrepair; dilapidated.

Example

"They explored the ruinous remains of the medieval abbey perched on the cliffside."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

ruin
ruination
ruiner
ruinous
ruinously
ruiz
ruki

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French ruinos, from Latin ruinosus ('falling, tumbledown, going to ruin'), derived from ruina ('a collapse, fall, or downfall'), from the verb ruere ('to rush down or fall violently').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ruinous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ruinous
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