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.
In thriving learning cultures—those rich in motivation, curiosity, and collaboration—AI has the potential to enhance learning. Martin Gutmann, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 After seeing the excellent response from customers and her husband’s motivation, Mercado decided to start a food business. Paula Soria, The Arizona Republic, 16 Dec. 2024 In this exclusive trailer drop, Kinzinger can be seen outlining his motivations. Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Dec. 2024 Humans are social creatures and rely on each other for survival, but some scholars have debated whether humans are genuinely altruistic or have other motivations, such as the need to feel good about themselves. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 13 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near motivation

Cite this Entry

“Motivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motivation. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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