self-motivated

adjective

self-mo·​ti·​vat·​ed ˌself-ˈmō-tə-ˌvā-təd How to pronounce self-motivated (audio)
: driven by one's own desires and ambitions : motivated by oneself
self-motivated students/employees
self-motivated learning

Examples of self-motivated in a Sentence

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.
Fostering autonomy in kids and teens helps give them the confidence to be self-motivated to learn, try new things and, ultimately, achieve success, research shows. Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025 If a person is self-motivated, there are many leadership books, audio and complementary forums for readers, listeners and participants. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 Great players and teams are self-motivated, after all. Consider this the 2025 preseason, folks. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 6 Dec. 2024 All are self-motivated and none of them have a life outside of the job, which might be a criticism for some movie characters but not here (trigger warning for any journo audiences out there). Lindsey Bahr, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2024 Macrinus is, at least, self-motivated, while Lucius reads as indifferent until the script requires him to make an abrupt shift in loyalties. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024 Here are five things to look for: Entrepreneurial mindset: Employees who are self-motivated and take the initiative to problem solve can enhance any team. Shanna Hocking, Harvard Business Review, 4 Mar. 2024 As this happens on a global scale, communities and individuals at the local level have become self-motivated to revitalize their ancestors’ tongues. Damaly Gonzalez, refinery29.com, 3 Apr. 2024 And, coming of age in a remote context, the youngest members of the workforce have had to be very self-motivated in building those relationships, which aren’t necessarily readily available on the job. Lisa Conn, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-motivated was in 1900

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Cite this Entry

“Self-motivated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-motivated. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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