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

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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. )

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

transformative

In a statement, Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson defended Hegseth's record, calling him a "transformative leader" who has "slashed bureaucracy, unleashed innovation, and delivered for our warfighters".

From BBC ● Oct. 28, 2026

There would be "nothing transformative", she said, and certainly no major shift on Palestinian statehood or the peace process, issues that have largely disappeared from Israeli political debate since October 7.

From Barron's ● Oct. 28, 2026

“So when you have a show that somebody watched over a 10-year period, it really was there with them over a transformative period of their lives.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026

“We tell students all the time that Hum 10 is a transformative experience. And not just for them.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2026

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

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

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Related Words

• life-changing
• transformational

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