motivation

noun

mo·ti·va·tion | \ ˌmō-tə-ˈvā-shən

Definition of motivation

1a : 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.

Other Words from motivation Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about motivation

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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

And while Dochety used the cacophony as motivation from the far end of the counter, Sebba heard it as evidence of triumph. — Michael Dumas, al.com, "Annual oyster-eating crown goes to Distinguished Young Woman Madison Dochety," 24 June 2019 To this day, Air Force OSI Agent Lindsay Temes believes money could also have served as motivation for Curtis's murder. — Matt Goldfarb, CBS News, "Investigation of airman's brutal murder in Japan uncovers deception, fraud and witchcraft," 19 June 2019 The motivation to shoplift is often not about having the actual items, but regaining a sense of control. — Cory Stieg, refinery29.com, "What Trinkets Gets Wrong & Right About Shoplifting Addiction," 15 June 2019 The motivation is partly to avoid attacks by activist investors and also to generate higher returns. — The Economist, "The UTC-Raytheon deal highlights the changing nature of war," 14 June 2019 Binnington used the missed opportunity as motivation. — Laine Higgins, WSJ, "The Blues’ Stunning Stanley Cup Run Was Keyed by a Rookie Goaltender," 13 June 2019 Defense lawyers pointed to his status as motivation for people to lie. — Nelvin C. Cepeda/the San Diego Union-tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Deliberations begin in Kellen Winslow II rape case," 5 June 2019 Economics offer just one motivation for work in old age. — Louise Aronson, Twin Cities, "Louise Aronson: I’m a geriatrician, and I’m fine with an 80-year-old running for president," 14 June 2019 Some lawmakers said they were concerned that American officials could be misreading the motivations of their Iranian counterparts. — Mark Landler, New York Times, "U.S. Puts Iran on Notice and Weighs Response to Attack on Oil Tankers," 14 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'motivation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.