Definition of the word ruinous

The word "ruinous" can be traced back to the early 16th century, during the English Renaissance. Its root is the Latin word "ruināre," which means "to break down" or "to overthrow." The Middle English version of this word, "royn," was derived from the Old French word "roiaun," which also had its roots in the Latin word "ruināre." "Roiaun" was pronounced something like "rwoinous" in Middle English. The meaning of "ruinous" during its early usage in the English language was more general, denoting anything that caused destruction, such as a ruinous storm or a ruinous disease. However, over time, the word has come to have a more specific connotation pertaining to ruins or the state of being ruined or in ruins. Today, "ruinous" is generally used to describe things that have fallen into a state of disrepair or decay, such as a ruinous building or a ruinous situation. It signifies an object or circumstance that has deteriorated or been destroyed so extensively that it is beyond repair or restoration.