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
He’s spoken about using humor and creativity as coping mechanisms, and his journey is often seen as one of resilience — turning personal tragedy into a source of motivation and connection with others facing similar struggles.
—
Kristen Wisneski, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2025
At the time, ESPN had extra motivation to shake things up.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Luckily, Beaver Creek offers plenty of motivation to keep going.
—Grace Bastidas, Parents, 29 Sep. 2025
As if that wasn’t enough motivation, the Horned Frogs (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) will face Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes (2-3, 0-2) for the first time since Sanders led the Buffs to a shocking 45-42 upset in Fort Worth to open the 2023 season.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivation
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Kristen Wisneski, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2025
At the time, ESPN had extra motivation to shake things up.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Luckily, Beaver Creek offers plenty of motivation to keep going.
—Grace Bastidas, Parents, 29 Sep. 2025
As if that wasn’t enough motivation, the Horned Frogs (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) will face Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes (2-3, 0-2) for the first time since Sanders led the Buffs to a shocking 45-42 upset in Fort Worth to open the 2023 season.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 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 1 Oct. 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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