1
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
a ruinous miscalculation of the financial markets left them bankrupt
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Then, in an instant, the evening appeared to turn into something potentially ruinous.
—
Dennis Lin, New York Times, 8 May 2025
The unlikely but true tale of a multimillion dollar, inside job heist, the 2016 film is a crazy cinematic ride with a who’s who of A-list funny folk and moments hilariously dumb and graceful, romantic and ruinous.
—Lesley O'Toole, Variety, 10 June 2025
The warnings from The Planetary Society, which have been echoed by many naysayers to Trump’s new direction, say the agency is choosing a ruinous path.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 June 2025
That’s great for them but ruinous for competitive balance at home; since the turn of the millennium, Lincoln have failed to win Gibraltar’s top league only twice.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruinous
Dennis Lin, New York Times, 8 May 2025
The unlikely but true tale of a multimillion dollar, inside job heist, the 2016 film is a crazy cinematic ride with a who’s who of A-list funny folk and moments hilariously dumb and graceful, romantic and ruinous.
—Lesley O'Toole, Variety, 10 June 2025
The warnings from The Planetary Society, which have been echoed by many naysayers to Trump’s new direction, say the agency is choosing a ruinous path.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 June 2025
That’s great for them but ruinous for competitive balance at home; since the turn of the millennium, Lincoln have failed to win Gibraltar’s top league only twice.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruinous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruinous
Adjective
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His disastrous tariffs have hit Americans hard, and now the Republican budget is slashing essential services, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, that protected our most vulnerable.—
Juliana Stratton,
Chicago Tribune,
31 July 2025
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Joe Biden’s disastrous debate performance against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in June 2024.—
Jessica Bennett,
VIBE.com,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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Fuentes is a member of the rescue group Fundación 911, which was one of the earliest first responders to the devastating flash floods in central Texas earlier this month.—
Jade Walker,
CNN Money,
28 July 2025
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This time, the duo sets their sights on transforming the home of a heroic fire captain who battled the devastating Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
28 July 2025
Adjective
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Simmons said very few improvements have been made to the highway, even as the fatal accidents continue to happen.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 July 2025
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The 2024 case was not fatal, health department spokesperson Kimberly Harry indicated on July 28.—
Christina Hall,
Freep.com,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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While moles typically make a mess of lawns, voles can be destructive throughout your garden.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
2 Aug. 2025
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Said was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and with distributing information related to a destructive device.—
Karina Tsui,
CNN Money,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Instead, like so many unfortunate accidents since cell phones were invented, this was caused by a distracted driver.—
Anne Marie D. Lee,
CBS News,
14 July 2025
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Fortunately for him, that gaffe will be a little easier to live down than Teal and Weinberg’s unfortunate comments.—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ruinous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruinous. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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