motivation
noun
mo·ti·va·tion
ˌmō-tə-ˈvā-shən 
1
a
: the act or process of giving someone a reason for doing something : the act or process of motivating someone
Some students need motivation to help them through school.
… a loyal domestic audience, which gives publishers little motivation to innovate or change.—
The Economist
The Economist
b
: the condition of being eager to act or work : the condition of being motivated
had the motivation to succeed
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
Christine Tran, who volunteered to cook lunch for the monks, said her motivation was rooted in service.
—Nakell Williams, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025
Take advantage of that newfound motivation heading into the new year — and the 40 percent discount on the Pougny Pull-Out Organizer — and add it to your cart now.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 28 Dec. 2025
Zelenskyy on Sunday pointed to the attacks on his country’s energy infrastructure amid the peace efforts and indicated that part of his motivation was to maintain pressure on Russia, including sanctions and defense technology for Ukraine.
—Hugh Son, CNBC, 28 Dec. 2025
So ahead of the Dolphins’ matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team that features two elite receivers in Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka, his motivation was at an all-time high.
—Miami Herald, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivation
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Nakell Williams, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025
Take advantage of that newfound motivation heading into the new year — and the 40 percent discount on the Pougny Pull-Out Organizer — and add it to your cart now.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 28 Dec. 2025
Zelenskyy on Sunday pointed to the attacks on his country’s energy infrastructure amid the peace efforts and indicated that part of his motivation was to maintain pressure on Russia, including sanctions and defense technology for Ukraine.
—Hugh Son, CNBC, 28 Dec. 2025
So ahead of the Dolphins’ matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team that features two elite receivers in Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka, his motivation was at an all-time high.
—Miami Herald, 27 Dec. 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 30 Dec. 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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