The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word RUIN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
R
U
I
N
More clues leading to the result RUIN
- Manage to sustain one collapse
- Destroy one entering race
- Rugby in state of disrepair
- Damage ladder one’s carried
- Game in disarray
- Bein’ sorry about building that’s disintegrated?
- I career around, then collapse
- Not quite regretting collapse
- Game at home results in defeat
- Bankrupt‘s lamenting having wasted £1,000
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Damage" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case damage = ruin.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does RUIN mean?
RUIN noun- (sometimes in the plural) The remains of a destroyed or dilapidated construction, such as a house or castle.
- The state of being a ruin, destroyed or decayed.
- Something that leads to serious trouble or destruction.
- A fall or tumble.
- A change that destroys or defeats something; destruction; overthrow.
- Complete financial loss; bankruptcy.
- To cause the fiscal ruin of.
- To destroy or make something no longer usable.
- To cause severe financial loss to; to bankrupt or drive out of business.
- To upset or overturn the plans or progress of, or to have a disastrous effect on something.
- To make something less enjoyable or likeable.
- To reveal the ending of (a story); to spoil.
- To fall into a state of decay.
- To seduce or debauch, and thus harm the social standing of.