arruinados

Arruinados is a Spanish term that can function as a noun or adjective, meaning "the ruined ones" or "ruined." It is used to describe people who have suffered financial ruin or social decline, as well as objects or places that are ruined.

In historical and sociological contexts, arruinados refers to individuals or groups who have experienced economic devastation, insolvency, or extreme poverty, especially after crises such as wars, economic downturns, or natural disasters. It is a descriptive label rather than an official category, and it often carries connotations of vulnerability.

In culture, arruinados has appeared as a motif in literature, film, and art, representing marginalization, decline, or resilience. Works may employ the term in titles or as a thematic element to explore social inequality and human fragility.

Etymology: arruinados derives from arruinar "to ruin" plus the suffix -ado, with the masculine plural form matching the noun/adjective.

See also: poverty, bankruptcy, decay, decline, social exclusion.