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

“I’ve seen unbelievably stunning, beautiful, moving, life-changing places, but Antarctica was on a different level.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

Reflecting on the instant, life-changing moment, Chloe, now 25, remembers thinking she couldn't talk about her dad, and she ended up acting like nothing had happened.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

"It really has changed my life so much. I've been able to hold my youngest granddaughter's hand... it's life-changing, completely."

From BBC • May 7, 2026

After studying at Oxford University, a life-changing experience for a son of immigrants, Hilton worked at Conservative Party headquarters and as an ad executive on the Conservatives’ 1997 election campaign.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 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