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
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
Strategic and critical thinking are valuable no matter the level of seniority, as is empathy, as marketing is all about connecting with an audience by understanding their needs and motivations.
—
Christine Pilkington, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Walking with others can also promote a sense of camaraderie, along with accountability, encouragement, and motivation to stick with a walking routine.14
8.
—Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2025
The Enneagram, with its nine types that categorize our personalities based on a series of questions and hypothetical scenarios, provides a clear and predictable roadmap to a person’s motivation and corresponding behavior.
—Ronny Maye, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025
In the show, Abby lays out her motivations for killing Joel very clearly, which in turn makes it so Joel understands there’s really no way to convince Abby.
—Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivation
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Christine Pilkington, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Walking with others can also promote a sense of camaraderie, along with accountability, encouragement, and motivation to stick with a walking routine.14
8.
—Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2025
The Enneagram, with its nine types that categorize our personalities based on a series of questions and hypothetical scenarios, provides a clear and predictable roadmap to a person’s motivation and corresponding behavior.
—Ronny Maye, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025
In the show, Abby lays out her motivations for killing Joel very clearly, which in turn makes it so Joel understands there’s really no way to convince Abby.
—Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 21 Apr. 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 4 May. 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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