rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryruinousIn ruins
adjective

ruinous

Severely damaged or decayed.

The old castle stands in a ruinous state above the village.

Etymology
ruinLatincollapse
+ousEnglishcharacterized by

Ruin concerns collapse or severe decay. The adjective describes a structure as already affected by that destructive condition.

More examples

  • Despite its ruinous condition, the church still attracts visitors.
  • Only a few ruinous walls remain of the farmhouse.
  • Years of neglect have left the mill ruinous and unsafe.

Forms

ruinous

ruin noun — A state of severe damage or decay.

Similar words

dilapidated
Usually describes buildings worn down by neglect or age.
derelict
Emphasizes abandonment and neglect, not necessarily severe physical destruction.
crumbling
Emphasizes physical breaking apart rather than general severe decay.