ruinable
|ru-in-a-ble|
🇺🇸
/ˈruːɪnəbəl/
🇬🇧
/ˈruːɪnəb(ə)l/
able to be ruined/damaged
Etymology
'ruinable' originates from English word formation combining the noun/verb 'ruin' and the adjectival suffix '-able'; 'ruin' ultimately comes from Latin 'ruina' (Latin) meaning 'a falling, collapse', and '-able' comes from Latin '-abilis' meaning 'able to be'.
'ruin' came into English via Old French 'ruine' from Latin 'ruina'; later, English formed the adjective 'ruinable' by adding the productive suffix '-able' to 'ruin'.
Originally 'ruina' meant 'a falling or collapse' (a noun); over time 'ruin' expanded to mean 'destruction or serious damage' and 'ruinable' developed to mean 'able to be ruined' in the modern sense.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or condition of being ruinable (i.e., able to be ruined).
The ruinability of exposed materials should be considered when designing the façade.
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Adjective 1
capable of being ruined, destroyed, or spoiled; susceptible to ruin or serious damage.
Without proper care, historic buildings are ruinable by weather and neglect.
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Adverb 1
in a manner that can be ruined or spoiled.
If handled ruinably, the delicate surface will discolor.
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Last updated: 2025/12/15 16:06