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
Whereas my brain scan was mostly black-and-white, the scans of people with alcohol-use disorder light up bright red in areas associated with motivation and cravings.
—Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 11 Feb. 2026
If the motivation is boredom, obligation, or burnout, the square won’t last.
—Ashley Herd, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
The alleged motivation of the group boycott is to constrain costs, since older college players are more likely to be coveted by coaches and thus have more negotiating power than an incoming freshman who might redshirt.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 Feb. 2026
In her scenes with each of them, Hedda’s motivations feel murky as she ping-pongs between flirtation, disgust, fear and anger.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motivation
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Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 11 Feb. 2026
If the motivation is boredom, obligation, or burnout, the square won’t last.
—Ashley Herd, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
The alleged motivation of the group boycott is to constrain costs, since older college players are more likely to be coveted by coaches and thus have more negotiating power than an incoming freshman who might redshirt.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 Feb. 2026
In her scenes with each of them, Hedda’s motivations feel murky as she ping-pongs between flirtation, disgust, fear and anger.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 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 15 Feb. 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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