life-changing

American  

[lahyf-chaynj-ing] / ˈlaɪfˌtʃeɪndʒ ɪŋ /

adjective

1. resulting in a major and usually positive change or reorientation of one's life (typically used of an experience that is eye-opening, awesome, etc.). Compare life-altering.

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Other Word Forms

• life-changingly
  adverb

Example Sentences

"No one died, but the entire crew slipped into depression after that. It was a life-changing experience, unimaginably scary," he said.

From Barron's • Jul. 1, 2026

“Bury Me Already” throws a sudden cross-country move, a pregnancy, a pandemic and a few other life-changing events into the mix in her latest compendium of long-form stories, stick-figure sketches, and three-panel gags.

From Salon • Jun. 27, 2026

Alpha-gal syndrome is a potentially life-changing allergy linked to the lone-star tick.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026

But community members and advocates remain concerned about the potential of contaminated homes and long-term, possibly life-changing health effects, Lopez said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2026

Pictured with me here were my friends, my sisters and brothers, who traveled with me through the historic life-changing event of attending Central High School.

From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals

Related Words

• transformative