life-changing

adjective

life-chang·​ing ˈlīf-ˌchān-jiŋ 

: having or capable of having a significant impact on someone's life

a life-changing career opportunity

a life-changing injury

… in 1986 he took a year off to travel. The experience was life-changing and led to his 1991 decision to pursue writing full-time.

—Carolyn Hart

(humorous) Made with fresh carrots, pineapple, a blend of warm spices and a homemade brown butter cream cheese frosting, this carrot cake recipe is life-changing …

—Jocelyn Delk Adams

Examples of life-changing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Understanding these rights and responsibilities, often requiring legal advice, is crucial before claiming this potentially life-changing status. — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

This deeply personal film is rooted in New York City; from my upbringing to life-changing family experiences. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 16 July 2026

What began as fun in the sun with lots of pizza consumption soon turned into a life-changing experience for the British teenager. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026

James started working regularly with a sports psychologist about a decade ago, which has been a life-changing decision. — Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1747, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for life-changing

• interchanging
• rearranging
• arranging
• exchanging
• unchanging
• changing
• ranging