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

See Examples For:

transformative

Until a few years ago, Levanon was a longtime skeptic of the idea that transformative technologies would sharply boost productivity and speed up the long-term growth of the U.S. economy.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 20, 2026

Rhys: I wouldn’t say I’m versatile in that chameleon-like way or transformative way, I just try to work from a place...

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2026

“I don’t know the needs of the two competitors that are right now trying to talk to each other, but we don’t see a need for a transformative M&A right now,” Doustdar said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026

Time will tell, as those teenagers leave school and enter the world of work, how transformative it will be.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

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

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• life-changing
• transformational