motivation

noun

mo·​ti·​va·​tion ˌmō-tə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce motivation (audio)
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
2
: a motivating force, stimulus, or influence : incentive, drive
the Old Testament heroes added religious motivation to the waging of warRichard Humble
The fear of failure was the motivation for his achievements.
motivational adjective
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Have the Yankees used that fifth inning for motivation or just flushed it? Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025 The process is also shaped by a long-term signaling process where candidates express interest or withdraw based on personal motivations and interactions with the current leader. Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 The days of dodging class or suffering from a lack of motivation appear to be a thing of the past at Alpha School, a private pre-K through eighth grade institution that utilizes personalized artificial intelligence to teach an entire day of core academic lessons in just two hours. Alex Backus, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025 To that last point, a bike that comes with a workout app or class membership can be a great way to boost your energy and motivation, Collins says. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for motivation

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of motivation was in 1873

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motivation. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

motivation

noun
mo·​ti·​va·​tion ˌmōt-ə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce motivation (audio)
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 How to pronounce motivation (audio)
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
motivational adjective
motivationally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on motivation

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