Ruin  —n. 1 destroyed, wrecked, or spoiled state. 2 downfall or elimination (ruin of my hopes). 3 complete loss of one's property or position (bring to ruin). 4 (in sing. Or pl.) Remains of a building etc. That has suffered ruin. 5 cause of ruin (the ruin of us). —v. 1 a bring to ruin (extravagance has ruined me). B spoil, damage. 2 (esp. As ruined adj.) Reduce to ruins.  in ruins completely wrecked (hopes were in ruins). [latin ruo fall]