motivation

noun

mo·​ti·​va·​tion ˌmō-tə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce motivation (audio)
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 warRichard Humble
The fear of failure was the motivation for his achievements.
motivational adjective
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
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.
Now, a new book, Murder in the Dollhouse by Rich Cohen, peels back the sparkling facade of the Dulos's life to unearth the origins and motivations of a crime that became a national obsession. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 17 May 2025 Unfortunately, these ideas are just kind of slapped on the surface of Hurry Up Tomorrow, which fails to penetrate deeper into the lives and motivations of its characters. Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 16 May 2025 Feaster has been instrumental in improving the team’s mental health benefits, drawing on her own career for motivation and inspiration. Alex Sherman, CNBC, 15 May 2025 There’s also the return of Esai Morales as the mustache-twirling villain whose motivation is as baffling as the Entity itself. Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for motivation

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of motivation was in 1873

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motivation. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

motivation

noun
mo·​ti·​va·​tion ˌmōt-ə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce motivation (audio)
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 How to pronounce motivation (audio)
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 adjective
motivationally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on motivation

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