ruiné
The English word 'ruined' is translated into French as ruiné.
The adjective ruiné describes something or someone that is in a state of ruin. While it can refer to physical destruction, it is very commonly used to describe someone who is financially bankrupt or broke.
Meaning: in a state of ruin (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective ruiné is derived from the verb ruiner, which means 'to ruin'.
Which one should you use?
While ruiné describes a state of ruin, you might choose different words depending on the intensity or tone. Anéanti(e) expresses a sense of complete destruction or devastation. Détruit(e) is a formal term that translates to 'ruined'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, ruiné must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use ruinée for feminine nouns, ruinés for masculine plural nouns and ruinées for feminine plural nouns.
Did you know?
- To describe someone who is 'ruined' in the sense of being completely destitute, French speakers often use the idiom être sur la paille, which literally translates to 'to be on the straw'.
- If you are talking about a ruined or failed plan, a French person might use the word foiré instead of a word related to 'ruin', which adds a much more vulgar and informal tone.
- To describe a meal that was 'ruined' by a bad ingredient, a French speaker would rarely use ruiné and would instead use gâché.
Examples in context
- Il a ruiné ma vie.He ruined my life.This sentence shows the use of ruiné regarding a person's life.Tatoeba #2031142 by sacredceltic, translation #2030134 by Spamster
- Ma robe est ruinée.My dress is ruined.This sentence demonstrates the feminine form ruinée used with a feminine noun.Tatoeba #5667800 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #5667795 by Hybrid
- Il a ruiné la France.He ruined France.This sentence shows ruiné used in the context of a country.Tatoeba #8900137 by Julien_PDC, translation #11789987 by shekitten
- La maison est détruiteThe house is ruined
- Les souvenirs de mon enfance sont anéantisThe memories of my childhood are ruined
- Mon rêve s'est effondréMy dream is ruined
- Ma journée est foutueMy day is ruined
- Cette voiture est foutueThis car is ruined
- Vous avez tout ruinéYou have ruined everything
- La cathédrale est détruite par le feu.The cathedral is ruined by fire.
- La soirée est foutue avec cette pluie.The evening is ruined with this rain.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are looking at an old abandoned house.
- GabrielRegarde ce vieux château, il est complètement ruiné.Look at this old castle, it is completely ruined.
- ManonC'est vrai, tout le toit est tombé.That's true, the whole roof has fallen.
- GabrielEst-ce que tu penses qu'on peut le sauver ?Do you think we can save it?
- ManonNon, Gabriel, le bâtiment est trop ruiné.No, Gabriel, the building is too ruined.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ruiné, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
