Top 25 Slang For Ruin – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to describing a situation where things go downhill fast, having the right slang can make all the difference. Join us as we unravel the top slang terms for ruin that are taking the English language by storm. From phrases that perfectly capture a disastrous moment to words that sum up a total mess, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and explore the colorful language of chaos and destruction!

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1. Wreck

To “wreck” something means to cause severe damage or destruction to it. It can also be used figuratively to describe completely ruining a situation or plan.

For example, “The car accident wrecked my car.”
A person might say, “I wrecked my chances of getting the job by showing up late to the interview.”
In a discussion about a failed relationship, someone might say, “He really wrecked her heart.”

2. Trash

To “trash” something means to ruin or destroy it completely, often to the point where it cannot be repaired or salvaged.

For instance, “He trashed his phone by dropping it in the pool.”
A person might say, “I accidentally trashed my computer by spilling coffee on it.”
In a conversation about a failed business venture, someone might say, “They trashed their reputation by providing poor customer service.”

3. Total

To “total” something means to completely destroy or ruin it, often to the point where it cannot be repaired or salvaged.

For example, “The car accident totaled my car.”
A person might say, “He totaled his chances of winning the race by crashing into a wall.”
In a discussion about a failed project, someone might say, “They totally messed up the presentation and it was a total disaster.”

4. Mess up

To “mess up” means to make a mistake or to ruin something. It can refer to a small mistake or a major blunder.

For instance, “I messed up the recipe by adding too much salt.”
A person might say, “He really messed up his chances of getting a promotion by forgetting to submit the report.”
In a conversation about a failed DIY project, someone might say, “I messed up the painting and now it looks terrible.”

5. Screw up

To “screw up” means to make a serious mistake or to ruin something. It is often used to describe a major blunder or failure.

For example, “He screwed up the presentation by forgetting his lines.”
A person might say, “I really screwed up my relationship by cheating.”
In a discussion about a failed business venture, someone might say, “They screwed up their chances of success by mismanaging their finances.”

6. Destroy

To completely ruin or demolish something, causing irreparable damage or loss. “Destroy” implies a complete and utter annihilation of the object or situation.

For example, “The hurricane destroyed entire neighborhoods, leaving nothing but rubble.”
In a video game, a player might say, “I destroyed all my opponents in the final round.”
A person discussing a failed business venture might say, “The economic downturn destroyed our chances of success.”

7. Ruin

To cause severe damage or harm to something, often resulting in its complete downfall or loss of value. “Ruin” implies a significant negative impact on the object or situation.

For instance, “His reckless behavior ruined his chances of getting into college.”
In a relationship, one might say, “Infidelity can ruin a marriage.”
A person discussing a ruined painting might say, “The water damage completely ruined the artwork.”

8. Bust

To cause something to fail or be unsuccessful. “Bust” implies a sudden and significant collapse or failure of the object or situation.

For example, “The company’s financial mismanagement led to its bust.”
In a card game, a player might say, “I thought I had a winning hand, but I ended up busting.”
A person discussing a failed project might say, “Our lack of planning caused the whole thing to bust.”

9. Spoil

To damage or harm something, often by causing it to deteriorate or become less enjoyable. “Spoil” implies a negative impact on the object or situation, but not necessarily complete destruction.

For instance, “Leaving the milk out too long will spoil it.”
In a movie review, one might say, “The predictable plot twists spoiled the film for me.”
A person discussing a spoiled surprise party might say, “The guest of honor found out beforehand and it completely spoiled the surprise.”

10. Wrecked

To completely destroy or severely damage something. “Wrecked” implies a state of complete disarray or ruin.

For example, “The car accident wrecked the front end of the vehicle.”
In a conversation about a wild party, one might say, “We got completely wrecked last night.”
A person discussing a failed DIY project might say, “I tried to fix the plumbing myself, but I ended up wrecking the whole bathroom.”

11. Fubar

This slang term is used to describe something that is completely ruined or beyond repair. It originated in the military and is often used to refer to a situation or object that is in a state of chaos or disarray.

For example, “The project is fubar, we’ll have to start from scratch.”
A person might say, “My computer crashed and now all my files are fubar.”
In a discussion about a failed business venture, someone might comment, “The company’s financials were fubar from the start.”

12. Kaput

This slang term is used to describe something that is no longer working or has been completely destroyed. It is often used to refer to mechanical or electronic devices that are no longer operational.

For instance, “My phone fell in the water and now it’s kaput.”
A person might say, “The engine in my car is kaput, I’ll need to get it fixed.”
In a conversation about a failed relationship, someone might comment, “After the trust was broken, our marriage was kaput.”

13. Bungle

This slang term is used to describe the act of making a mistake or failing to do something correctly. It is often used to refer to actions or decisions that result in a negative outcome or failure.

For example, “I bungled the presentation and lost the client.”
A person might say, “I bungled the recipe and now the cake is burnt.”
In a discussion about a failed attempt at DIY home repairs, someone might comment, “I tried to fix the leaky faucet myself, but I ended up bungling it even more.”

14. Foul up

This slang term is used to describe the act of making a mistake or causing something to go wrong. It is often used to refer to actions or decisions that result in a negative outcome or disruption.

For instance, “I fouled up the report and now we’ll have to redo it.”
A person might say, “I fouled up the recipe and now dinner is ruined.”
In a conversation about a failed attempt at organizing an event, someone might comment, “We really fouled up the logistics and now everything is a mess.”

15. Wreckage

This slang term is used to refer to the remains or aftermath of something that has been destroyed or ruined. It is often used to describe the physical debris or wreckage left behind after a disaster or accident.

For example, “The tornado left a trail of wreckage in its path.”
A person might say, “After the fire, all that was left was a pile of wreckage.”
In a discussion about the impact of a failed business, someone might comment, “The company’s bankruptcy left behind a lot of financial wreckage.”

16. Shatter

To shatter something means to break or destroy it completely. It is often used metaphorically to describe a situation or a person’s emotions being completely ruined.

For example, “The news of her failed exam shattered her dreams of becoming a doctor.”
A person might say, “The company’s reputation was shattered after the scandal.”
Another example could be, “The hurricane shattered the small coastal town, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake.”

17. Break down

To break down means to fall apart or cease to function properly. It can also be used to describe a person’s mental or emotional state deteriorating.

For instance, “The car broke down on the way to the airport, causing them to miss their flight.”
A person might say, “I can’t handle the stress anymore, I feel like I’m breaking down.”
Another example could be, “Their relationship started to break down after years of unresolved issues.”

18. Sabotage

To sabotage something means to intentionally damage or undermine it, often with the intention of causing harm or ruin.

For example, “The competitor sabotaged their opponent’s chances of winning by spreading false rumors.”
A person might say, “He tried to sabotage my presentation by deleting important files.”
Another example could be, “The hacker sabotaged the company’s website, causing it to crash.”

19. Cripple

To cripple something means to impair or disable it, often to the point where it is unable to function properly.

For instance, “The economic crisis crippled the country’s economy.”
A person might say, “The injury has crippled his ability to walk.”
Another example could be, “The power outage crippled the city, leaving everyone in darkness.”

20. Decimate

To decimate means to destroy or eliminate a large portion of something, often referring to a population or a group.

For example, “The disease decimated the population, leaving only a few survivors.”
A person might say, “The fire decimated the forest, leaving behind charred remains.”
Another example could be, “The team was decimated by injuries, making it difficult to compete.”

21. Annihilate

To annihilate something means to completely destroy or obliterate it. This term is often used to emphasize the complete and utter destruction of something.

For example, “The hurricane annihilated the coastal town, leaving nothing but rubble.”
In a video game, a player might say, “I annihilated the enemy team with a single grenade.”
A person discussing a competition might say, “Our team was annihilated in the championship game.”

22. Obliterate

To obliterate something means to completely erase or destroy it. This term is often used to describe the total destruction or elimination of something.

For instance, “The tornado obliterated the entire neighborhood, leaving no trace of its existence.”
In a debate, one might say, “Her argument was so strong that it obliterated her opponent’s position.”
A person describing a car accident might say, “The collision was so severe that it obliterated both vehicles.”

23. Demolish

To demolish something means to tear it down or completely destroy it, often with great force or violence. This term is often used to describe the destruction of buildings or structures.

For example, “The old building was demolished to make way for a new shopping center.”
In a conversation about renovations, one might say, “We had to demolish the kitchen to create a more open floor plan.”
A person describing a breakup might say, “The news of the affair demolished their relationship.”

24. Devastate

To devastate something means to cause severe damage or destruction, often resulting in emotional or psychological distress. This term is often used to describe the aftermath of a natural disaster or a personal tragedy.

For instance, “The earthquake devastated the city, leaving thousands homeless.”
In a discussion about the loss of a loved one, one might say, “Her sudden death devastated the entire family.”
A person describing a financial crisis might say, “The stock market crash devastated people’s retirement savings.”

25. Undo

To undo something means to reverse or cancel it, often resulting in the ruination or destruction of what was previously done. This term is often used to describe the act of undoing or reversing a specific action or decision.

For example, “He tried to undo the damage he had caused, but it was too late.”
In a conversation about relationships, one might say, “Cheating can completely undo the trust between partners.”
A person discussing a mistake might say, “I wish I could undo the past and start over.”