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.

---

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

As miserable as that would be for retirees, one can lose sight of all the other ways Social Security reform will be transformative for the economy, for good or ill.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 17, 2026

But Misty and the experience of bringing her to life on the screen will remain a transformative one.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026

"Our study thus underscores the transformative role of breath-based interventions. The interplay between breathing and cardiac dynamics makes the brain more receptive to rewards," explains lead author Wenhao Huang, interpreting the results.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 4, 2026

The Justice Department argued that the training of AI models on written works is "exceedingly transformative," allowing it to benefit from the exception.

From Barron's ● Sep. 3, 2026

Mercy is most empowering, liberating, and transformative when it is directed at the undeserving.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Related Words

• life-changing
• transformational