1
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
a ruinous miscalculation of the financial markets left them bankrupt
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2
as in devastating
causing or tending to cause destruction
a ruinous windstorm destroyed the crops
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ruinous
After the end of World War II, the Reichstag found itself in a ruinous state in West Berlin.
—
The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 9 Sep. 2025
That could be ruinous to a sector which has been in decline for decades.
—David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
And so one of Rothstein’s protégés, Dutch Schultz—who, thanks to the layoff networks, had access to ready cash—began lending to the Harlem numbers bankers, at ruinous rates.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Only intense public pressure and the threat of ruinous lawsuits have led it to take action.
—R. R. Reno, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2018
See All Example Sentences for ruinous
The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 9 Sep. 2025
That could be ruinous to a sector which has been in decline for decades.
—David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
And so one of Rothstein’s protégés, Dutch Schultz—who, thanks to the layoff networks, had access to ready cash—began lending to the Harlem numbers bankers, at ruinous rates.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Only intense public pressure and the threat of ruinous lawsuits have led it to take action.
—R. R. Reno, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2018
See All Example Sentences for ruinous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruinous
Adjective
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Since the election, Democrats have worked to recruit candidates and relay messaging with the goal of resonating with voters after a disastrous 2024.—
Sydney Topf,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Oct. 2025
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Report Despite a disastrous start to the season, the Ravens hope to turn around their fortunes by beating a Bears team on a four-game winning streak.—
Jordan Sigler,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The loss was unexpected and devastating.—
Autumn Barnes,
NPR,
27 Oct. 2025
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Kamala Harris teases 2028 presidential run, devastating Dems’ chances!—
The Hill,
The Hill,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Such a slow start proved fatal to Yeovil, who went on to finish bottom of the table after being made to wait until October 26 for their first Huish Park victory at the seventh attempt.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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Shortly after being taken away by paramedics, the father of Owens' four children was informed over the phone that her injury proved fatal.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Aerial drones have dominated attention for the sheer numbers deployed and their destructive power.—
Anastasiia Malenko,
USA Today,
22 Oct. 2025
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If your dog is anxious or destructive, avoid leaving them alone at all, and consider hiring local dog-sitting services if needed.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Overall, prosecutors allege the nearly three-dozen defendants cheated unfortunate players out of at least $7 million.—
Ben Brachfeld,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
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The knee injury marks an unfortunate end to Duck’s second season.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Even environmentalists like Al Gore who once fretted about catastrophic accidents and radioactive waste are warming to the technology.—
Brad Plumer,
New York Times,
22 Oct. 2025
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That much rain over mountainous terrain in the area could trigger catastrophic flash flooding and landslides.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ruinous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruinous. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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