Influential/ˌɪnfluˈenʃl/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Usage in Power Dynamics Used to describe people who have the ability to affect decisions or actions. Her influential status changed the board's decision. Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Positive Can be used for a person or thing that impacts positively or negatively. Influential factors led to the project's failure. Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Weight Often suggests respect or admiration for the person's impact. The coach was an influential mentor to me.