in ruins
The phrase "in ruins" often describes something that has been severely damaged or destroyed, leaving it in a state of disrepair.
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Definition
B2Architecture
(common)A building or structure that has been mostly destroyed.
Example
- The ancient castle now lies in ruins after centuries of neglect.
B2General
(figurative)Something that has been totally spoiled or is in a state of complete disrepair.
Example
- After the scandal, his reputation was in ruins.
- The country's economy was in ruins after the financial crisis.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "in ruins":
in tattersin ragstore upbroken downbombed outto piecesfall apart