Transformative

Means causing or capable of causing a significant change, especially one that improves or fundamentally alters the nature, function, or character of something.

In different contexts:

General English:

“Her experience abroad was transformative—it changed her outlook on life.”

→ It deeply altered her perspective.

Academic/Scientific:

“arXiv has had a transformative impact on scientific publishing.”

→ It significantly changed how research is shared.

Legal (e.g., copyright law):

A transformative use adds new expression, meaning, or message to the original work, rather than simply copying it.

Synonyms:

Revolutionary

Groundbreaking

Game-changing

Life-altering (in personal contexts)