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

2

: a motivating force, stimulus, or influence : incentive, drive

the Old Testament heroes added religious motivation to the waging of war

—Richard Humble

The fear of failure was the motivation for his achievements.

motivational

ˌmō-tə-ˈvā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

motivationally adverb

Synonyms

• boost
• encouragement
• goad
• impetus
• impulse
• incentive
• incitation
• incitement
• instigation
• momentum
• provocation
• spur
• stimulant
• stimulus
• yeast

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

Meaningful work leads to more resilient leadership, decision-making aligned with long-term vision, stronger team engagement and sustainable motivation that outlasts market cycles. —Jennifer Kamara, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

Smollett's attorneys have claimed that he has been targeted by a justice system influenced by racial bias and political motivations. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024

Unknown to many, understanding what drives individuals (i.e., their motivations, desires, and emotions) is critical in creating personalized, meaningful experiences. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024

Hutchins’ close friend Rachel Mason, who has been working on a documentary for the past three years about the late DP’s life, then gave an emotional introduction to Rust, attempting to set the record straight on the festival and filmmakers’ motivations for seeing the movie through to its premiere. —Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Kids 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

motivational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective

motivationally

-ē 

adverb