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

Essential to the court’s order was Ford’s motivations for using a Midler impersonator. —Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 May 2024

If not, alternatives are explored, with a strong emphasis on ethical responsibilities, particularly assessing patient motivations and potential body dysmorphic disorders. —Nick Kasmik, USA TODAY, 18 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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