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
Thank you for the inspiration, motivation, and laughter, my brother.
—
Michael Saponara, Billboard, 27 Oct. 2025
In many ways, Trusty is reprising a similar role now in defending Rozier, calling into question the motivations of prosecutors.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 2025
The motivation appears to be part national defense (deterring China) and part branding exercise.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
The players’ motivation in this match is different.
—Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivation
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.
Michael Saponara, Billboard, 27 Oct. 2025
In many ways, Trusty is reprising a similar role now in defending Rozier, calling into question the motivations of prosecutors.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 2025
The motivation appears to be part national defense (deterring China) and part branding exercise.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
The players’ motivation in this match is different.
—Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 26 Oct. 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 29 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share