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
Their genetic basis explains the motivation but doesn’t justify it.
—Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026
Plus, workers have a lot of motivation to want to stay at home, starting with zero commute.
—John Shumway, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
Having that goal of being ready in September is a huge motivation and helps him mentally.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2026
The Mind Flayer, a creature of the Upside Down with no human emotion or motivations, is a much more interesting, Lovecraftian monster than Vecna ever was.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motivation
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Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026
Plus, workers have a lot of motivation to want to stay at home, starting with zero commute.
—John Shumway, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
Having that goal of being ready in September is a huge motivation and helps him mentally.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2026
The Mind Flayer, a creature of the Upside Down with no human emotion or motivations, is a much more interesting, Lovecraftian monster than Vecna ever was.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motivation
Cite this Entry
“Motivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motivation. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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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