In ruins Meaning in English
expression
ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈɹuənz/, /ˈɹuɪnz
in ROO-inz
ˈɪn/ /ɹˈuːɪnz
in ROO-inz
Definition
Describes something, usually a building or place, that has been badly damaged or destroyed. It can also be used figuratively for something that has failed or is in a very bad condition.
Usage & Nuances
'In ruins' is often used literally for physical places (old castles, cities after disasters) and figuratively (e.g., 'His career is in ruins'). Common with 'left', 'lie', or 'be'. Not used for minor damage.
Spanish: en ruinasPortuguese (BR): em ruínasPortuguese (PT): em ruínasChinese (Simplified): 成废墟Chinese (Traditional): 成廢墟Hindi: खंडहर मेंArabic: في حالة خرابBengali: ধ্বংসস্তূপে - ধ্বংসপ্রাপ্তRussian: в руинахJapanese: 廃墟になっている - 崩壊しているVietnamese: đổ nát - tan hoangKorean: 폐허가 된 - 망가진Turkish: harap içerisinde - enkaz halindeUrdu: کھنڈر میں - تباہ حالIndonesian: hancur - dalam reruntuhan
Example Sentences
The ancient castle is in ruins.
basic
After the fire, their house was in ruins.
basic
The city was left in ruins after the war.
basic
His plans for the company are in ruins now.
natural
Their friendship was left in ruins after the argument.
natural
You can still see the old stadium, but it’s completely in ruins now.
natural