transformative

adjective

trans·​for·​ma·​tive tran(t)s-ˈfȯr-mə-tiv 

: causing or able to cause an important and lasting change in someone or something

a transformative experience

And she'll tell anyone who asks about her transformative weeks working for UNICEF in Congo and Cambodia.

—S. L. Price

It is increasingly hard to escape the conclusion that American politics has entered one of those rare transformative moments that shape the content of our public discourse and the direction of our governance for generations.

—Doug Ireland

Examples of transformative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Artificial intelligence might be the most transformative technology ever devised. —Editorial, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026

The singular jazz pianist Brad Mehldau is remarkable both for his intriguing song choices — including 1990s pop and rock standards — and his transformative skill in playing them. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026

As the first new state park lodge in Ohio in more than 30 years, the 2022 structure is a transformative addition to a region known for hiking but not big hotels. —Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 9 May 2026

The best area rugs bring a transformative element to your space—no expensive remodel or challenging DIY project required. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for transformative

• germinative
• corroborative
• determinative
• forgive
• ogive
• outlive
• relive
• give
• sieve
• resistive