What does ruining mean?
“Ruing” means causing ruin: damaging or destroying something, or causing serious harm to a person's prospects, reputation, finances, relationships, or peace of mind. It is used both literally, for example when weather ruins outdoor plans, and figuratively, as when criticism ruins a person's confidence or bad decisions ruin a business's finances. The word often suggests consequences that are significant, lasting, or difficult to repair, although it can also describe less serious everyday disappointments, such as ruining an outing. As the -ing form of “ruin,” it describes an action in progress or an action viewed from its consequences. It is widely used in formal and informal English in Britain and the United States, with particularly common expressions involving ruining plans, chances, a reputation, a relationship, or someone's day.
verbTo destroy, damage, or spoil something completely or badly. It can also mean to cause someone to lose their money, reputation, prospects, or emotional well-being.
- To destroy, damage, or spoil something.
- To cause serious harm to a person's reputation, finances, prospects, relationships, or emotional state.
"The heavy rain ruined our plans for a picnic."
"A careless remark from the coach ruined the player's confidence."
"The company was ruining its reputation by ignoring customer complaints."
A small mishap can ruin a day, but the word carries the dramatic sense of turning something valuable or carefully planned into a failure.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ruining come from?
The word belongs to a Middle English family derived from Old French “ruine,” a borrowing of Latin “ruina,” meaning ruin, destruction, or collapse. The modern verb form developed from the English noun and verb “ruin,” preserving the basic sense of causing damage or destruction. The Latin word is commonly associated with the idea of falling or collapse, although its deeper prehistoric derivation is uncertain.
Related word forms
How ruining is actually used
“Ruing” is the present participle and gerund form of “ruin”; it is often used in ongoing or consequential actions, as in “ruining their chances.” The word is commonly figurative, especially when referring to reputations, relationships, plans, or days.
Easily confused with ruining
Ruining means damaging or destroying something, whereas running means moving quickly or managing or operating something.