transformative

American  

[trans-fawr-muh-tiv] / trænsˈfɔr mə tɪv /

adjective

1. causing a radical and typically positive change in outlook, character, form, or condition: Voting is a culturally and socially transformative action.

   It's difficult to put into words how transformative and enriching it is to study abroad.

   Voting is a culturally and socially transformative action.

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Other Word Forms

• untransformative
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of transformative

First recorded in 1660–70; from Medieval Latin transformātīvus, equivalent to Latin transformāt-, stem of transformāre, + -īvus -ive ( def. ); see transform ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

transformative

Until a few years ago, Levanon was a longtime skeptic of the idea that transformative technologies would sharply boost productivity and speed up the long-term growth of the U.S. economy.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 20, 2026

Her ongoing collaboration with producer Ovy On The Drums — they’re the same age, 35, both from Medellín — was transformative, combining clanging, tribal beats with liquid textures and a refined, champagne-like lightness.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2026

A basketball team would seem more a trophy than a natural fit in Kushner’s portfolio of investments in artificial intelligence and other transformative technologies.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 15, 2026

That three-decade stretch began 125 years ago and also came at a time of transformative technologies—cars, planes, electricity and radio.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026

Ellis is as a testimony to the transformative power of listening.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• life-changing
• transformational