life-altering

American  

[lahyf-awl-ter-ing] / ˈlaɪfˌɔl tər ɪŋ /

adjective

1. resulting in a major and usually negative or challenging change in one's life (typically used of an injury, diagnosis, or the like.). Compare life-changing.

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Other Word Forms

• life-alteringly
  adverb

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

life-altering

Harris, from Canada, was 15 and "on the verge of independence" when she sustained a life-altering spinal cord injury, leaving her tetraplegic and requiring round the clock care.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

"Since the attack, Assi has campaigned for justice for Abdallah's killing, advocated for journalist safety, and supported a rehabilitation program for people with similar life-altering injuries."

From Barron's ● Aug. 5, 2026

But the life-altering event comes not in the form of fulfilling her life’s dream, but as an unexpected cancer diagnosis, handed to her just as she’s scheduled to wrap production on her short.

From Salon ● Jun. 29, 2026

Prism of Gloom, where even a non-setback setback must be considered as a possible life-altering crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026

Maya also had zero intentions of telling her dad about said life-altering plans.

From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway