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
When turnover is low, poor managers blend in with good ones, and even previously effective managers may grow complacent, neglecting employee motivation and productivity.
—
Christine Michel Carter, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
While flipping the script on Finland is the focus, the historical significance of a gold medal win has long been part of the team’s motivation heading into the tournament.
—Julian McKenzie, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
In the case of the Peacock documentary in particular, the motivations and credibility of those being interviewed must be questioned.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 4 Jan. 2025
What is his motivation – and what would that change mean for America’s students and teachers?
—Jackie Valley, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for motivation 
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Christine Michel Carter, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
While flipping the script on Finland is the focus, the historical significance of a gold medal win has long been part of the team’s motivation heading into the tournament.
—Julian McKenzie, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
In the case of the Peacock documentary in particular, the motivations and credibility of those being interviewed must be questioned.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 4 Jan. 2025
What is his motivation – and what would that change mean for America’s students and teachers?
—Jackie Valley, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Jan. 2025
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 14 Jan. 2025.
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
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