motivation
noun
mo·ti·va·tion
ˌmō-tə-ˈvā-shən 
1
a
: the act or process of motivating
Some students need motivation to help them through school.
b
: the condition of being motivated
employees who lack motivation
motivationally
adverb
Synonyms
Examples of motivation in a Sentence
Some students need motivation to help them through school.
Many people have questioned her motivations in choosing to run for office at this time.
Recent Examples on the Web
In thriving learning cultures—those rich in motivation, curiosity, and collaboration—AI has the potential to enhance learning.
—
Martin Gutmann, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
After seeing the excellent response from customers and her husband’s motivation, Mercado decided to start a food business.
—Paula Soria, The Arizona Republic, 16 Dec. 2024
In this exclusive trailer drop, Kinzinger can be seen outlining his motivations.
—Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Dec. 2024
Humans are social creatures and rely on each other for survival, but some scholars have debated whether humans are genuinely altruistic or have other motivations, such as the need to feel good about themselves.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for motivation 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Martin Gutmann, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
After seeing the excellent response from customers and her husband’s motivation, Mercado decided to start a food business.
—Paula Soria, The Arizona Republic, 16 Dec. 2024
In this exclusive trailer drop, Kinzinger can be seen outlining his motivations.
—Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Dec. 2024
Humans are social creatures and rely on each other for survival, but some scholars have debated whether humans are genuinely altruistic or have other motivations, such as the need to feel good about themselves.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for motivation
Dictionary Entries Near motivation
Cite this Entry
“Motivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motivation. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
motivation
noun
mo·ti·va·tion
ˌmōt-ə-ˈvā-shən
1
a
: the act or process of motivating
b
: the condition of being motivated
2
: a motivating force or influence : incentive
Medical Definition
motivation
noun
mo·ti·va·tion
ˌmōt-ə-ˈvā-shən
1
a
: the act or process of motivating
b
: the condition of being motivated
2
: a motivating force, stimulus, or influence (as a drive or incentive)
lacks the motivation to lose weight
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share