ruin

Ruin refers to the remains of a structure after destruction or decay, or to the process that leads to such a state. It can describe both the physical remnants and the condition of being ruined. In everyday usage, it also denotes the downfall or collapse of systems, institutions, or individuals.

In architecture and archaeology, a ruin is the standing remnants of a building or settlement that has lost its original function. Ruins may be preserved intentionally or become weathered, often revealing construction techniques and historical chronology. The term is used for ancient buildings as well as more recent derelict sites.

Ruin results from a combination of factors: structural failure, natural weathering, environmental stress, fire, neglect, and human conflict. Over time, materials such as stone, brick, wood, and metal degrade, leading to partial or complete collapse. The rate and form of ruin depend on climate, geography, and maintenance.

Across cultures, ruins have held aesthetic, symbolic, and educational value. They feature prominently in art, literature, and tourism, sometimes celebrated as picturesque objects or studied as archaeological records. Conservation seeks to stabilize or document ruins while balancing preservation with accessibility.

Ruin can also function as a verb meaning to destroy or reduce to ruin; or as a moral or financial ruin, indicating total collapse of status or fortune.