ruin

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: A2 — Elementary

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
  2. noun a ruined building
  3. noun the process of becoming dilapidated

Etymology

From Middle English ruyne, ruine, from Old French ruine, from Latin ruīna (“overthrow, ruin”), from ruō (“to fall down, tumble, sink in ruin, rush”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

ruination

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