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

It’s transformative from the efficiencies that it creates.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

Advances in AI models’ ability to write code have wowed software engineers and convinced companies and investors that the technology will be useful and transformative.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

The Standard Model is built on two of the 20th century’s most transformative advances in physics; quantum mechanics and Einstein’s special relativity.

From Science Daily • May 26, 2026

“But we now have an additional secular growth driver with AI as we help our customers deliver more value with this transformative new technology.”

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

“Cain proved the physical transformative effects, and Kaltain proves the ability to influence thoughts and emotions. I would like to test its full ability to hone the minds of a few others.”

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas

Related Words

• life-changing
• transformational