What does ruinous mean?
“Ruinous” is an adjective describing something that causes ruin, widespread destruction, or severe financial hardship. It is commonly used for the consequences of a decision or event, as in “ruinous consequences,” and for costs that are impossibly high, as in “ruinous damages.” The word can also describe a building or structure that is in a decaying, ruined condition. Its force comes from the Latin root ruina, “ruin” or “destruction,” which appears in related English words such as ruin and ruination. Ruinous is especially useful when the effects are not merely unpleasant but serious enough to threaten the survival of a person, organization, place, or financial plan.
adjectiveCausing ruin, destruction, or severe damage; extremely costly or damaging. It can also describe something that is in a ruined or dilapidated condition.
- Causing ruin, destruction, or severe damage.
- Extremely costly or financially damaging.
- In a ruined or dilapidated condition.
"The storm caused ruinous damage to the coastal town."
"The decision proved ruinous for the family’s finances."
"Years of neglect left the old theatre in a ruinous condition."
From Latin ruina, meaning ruin or destruction, “ruinous” describes the kind of damage that leaves little room for recovery.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ruinous come from?
“Ruinous” comes through French from Latin ruinosus, meaning “of or pertaining to ruin,” from ruina, “ruin, destruction.” The English adjective has long been used for destructive effects and, in financial contexts, excessive expense. It belongs to the same Latin-derived family as ruin, ruination, and ruinate.
Related word forms
How ruinous is actually used
The adjective is formal and often conveys a stronger sense than “damaging.” In financial contexts, it emphasizes consequences so serious that they may cause ruin or ruinous expense.
Easily confused with ruinous
“Ruinous” describes something that causes destruction or severe expense, while “ruined” describes something that has already been destroyed or badly damaged.