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
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
That should matter to leaders, because real connection drives motivation, creativity, and well-being.
—
Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
But the vice president’s remarks also underscore the political motivations behind Saturday’s action.
—Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
Lower courts overturned the first two bans for apparent religious or racial motivations, before the Supreme Court upheld the third ban in 2018.
—George Petras, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Research has linked experiencing and internalizing weight stigma to less motivation and enjoyment of physical activity, less confidence about exercising, and less time spent exercising, Pearl said.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivation
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Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
But the vice president’s remarks also underscore the political motivations behind Saturday’s action.
—Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
Lower courts overturned the first two bans for apparent religious or racial motivations, before the Supreme Court upheld the third ban in 2018.
—George Petras, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Research has linked experiencing and internalizing weight stigma to less motivation and enjoyment of physical activity, less confidence about exercising, and less time spent exercising, Pearl said.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivation
Cite this Entry
“Motivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motivation. Accessed 16 Jun. 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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