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
Some of her motivation comes from personal experiences as a caregiver and helping family members keep track of their medications – which can get complicated.
—
Michael Merschel/ American Heart Association News, Boston Herald, 9 Feb. 2025
Mahomes' opponent, the Eagles, will also have some motivation.
—Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 9 Feb. 2025
His matchups against LeBron James were always interesting; there was extra motivation there.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2025
Different motivations drive inmates to sign up for adult education, said Marilyn Meline, who has been offering ABE at the jail for a little more than a year.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for motivation 
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Michael Merschel/ American Heart Association News, Boston Herald, 9 Feb. 2025
Mahomes' opponent, the Eagles, will also have some motivation.
—Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 9 Feb. 2025
His matchups against LeBron James were always interesting; there was extra motivation there.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2025
Different motivations drive inmates to sign up for adult education, said Marilyn Meline, who has been offering ABE at the jail for a little more than a year.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 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 16 Feb. 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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