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
Here are a few of the motivations that incentive experts to switch teams.
—
Melanie Hughes, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
Over the years, many readers have shared how Ruby inspired them to pursue their dreams and gave them the motivation to graduate.
—Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
Goal setting is an effective way to drive motivation and achievement.
—Megan Kuhfeld, Scientific American, 30 June 2025
In addition to her personal experience, Scarano credits her time in La Jolla with giving her the motivation to create LymeLnk.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivation
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Melanie Hughes, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
Over the years, many readers have shared how Ruby inspired them to pursue their dreams and gave them the motivation to graduate.
—Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
Goal setting is an effective way to drive motivation and achievement.
—Megan Kuhfeld, Scientific American, 30 June 2025
In addition to her personal experience, Scarano credits her time in La Jolla with giving her the motivation to create LymeLnk.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 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 10 Jul. 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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