Search from various English teachers...
Gavin
Differences between wreck and ruin
Aug 7, 2012 5:24 AM
Answers · 3
1
ruin means the broken parts that are left from an old building or city like Pompeii
wreck means the left parts of destroyed or badly damaged vehicles or ships, especially ships
August 7, 2012
The above answers address usage as a noun, both words can be used as a verb as well. As nouns they mean something that is severely damaged, as verbs they mean to damage, break, destroy, etc.
Wreck and ruin are synonyms with very similar usage. Personally I'd say their essentially overlaps, especially as verbs. I can't think of a situation where using one is appropriate but not the other.
As nouns they are more distinct. "Ruins" can specifically mean physical structures in disrepair, like Randy and ring have indicated, but it can be used to describe anything. "Wreck" can specifically mean a vessel or ship which is destroyed or damaged, but like ruin can be used to describe anything. A ruined ship can become a shipwreck. A wrecked building can become a ruin.
In short, they are pretty much the same thing. Sorry for the overkill haha
August 7, 2012
Ruin has more to do with something weathered by time. A wreck is associated with a crash or sudden event, like a shipwreck.
August 7, 2012
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Gavin
Language Skills
Chinese (Cantonese), English
Learning Language
English
Articles You May Also Like

How to Ask for a Raise or Promotion in English
8 likes · 6 Comments

The Key to Learning a Language Faster
29 likes · 8 Comments

Why "General English" is Failing Your Career (An Engineer’s Perspective)
29 likes · 12 Comments
More articles
