Definition

Causing damage or destruction, often leading to a state of decay or collapse.

Example

The storm had a ruinous effect on the old building, leaving it in shambles.

Conversation

Did you see that old building downtown?

Yeah, it looks really ruinous now, doesn’t it?

I wonder if they will ever restore it or just let it fall apart.

I hope they restore it; it's a shame to let something so historic become ruinous.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ruinous → It is formed from "ruin" (from Latin *ruina*, meaning a fall or collapse) and "-ous" (meaning full of or characterized by). The word "ruinous" describes something that is full of ruin or likely to cause destruction.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'full of' ('-ous') 'collapse' ('ruina') — that's why ruinous means likely to cause destruction.

Visually Confused Words