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. ); transform ( def. )

Example Sentences

In the last episode of The Envelope video podcast before the 2026 Oscar nominations, Joel Edgerton describes the transformative experience of making “Train Dreams.”

From Los Angeles Times

This feels like we’re in the middle of a transformative moment for the industry.

From Los Angeles Times

And I’m constantly trying to play dress ups and really interested in being people that I’m not and I think that my favorite actors have often been transformative character actors.

From Los Angeles Times

“Creating a global leader in physical AI across two transformative markets: autonomous driving and humanoid robotics.”

From Barron's

“Creating a global leader in physical AI across two transformative markets: autonomous driving and humanoid robotics.”

From Barron's

Related Words

• life-changing
• transformational