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

Another plus, analysts say, is that the tools are much easier to use than transformative, productivity-enhancing technologies in the past.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

The deal helps Neurocrine’s leaders in “delivering transformative medicines,” CEO Kyle Gano said in a statement.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

Ofsted found pupils "thrive" at the "transformative" school, which inspectors said had a "highly ambitious and broad" curriculum, at an inspection in September 2024.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

Staley, a Hall of Fame player and gold medal Olympian, is a transformative character.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 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