motivation

[moh-tuh-vey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act or an instance of motivating, or providing with a reason to act in a certain way.

   I don't understand what her motivation was for quitting her job.

   Synonyms: impetus, cause, inducement, inspiration, motive

2. the state or condition of being motivated or having a strong reason to act or accomplish something.

   We know that these students have strong motivation to learn.

3. something that motivates; inducement; incentive.

   Clearly, the company's long-term motivation is profit.

Other Word Forms

• motivational adjective
• motivative adjective
• demotivation noun
• nonmotivation noun
• remotivation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of motivation¹

First recorded in 1870–75; motive + -ation

Example Sentences

Given a new, unexpected opportunity as Foster’s replacement, Skipper, 47, might use any lingering disappointment from his last interim stop as motivation.

From Los Angeles Times

His death by a single gunshot during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University shocked the nation and has led to vigorous debate over the motivations of his accused killer.

From Los Angeles Times

Many political leaders have called for calm, and for people to wait for the investigation into the suspect’s motivations before jumping to conclusions or casting blame.

From Los Angeles Times

“What he does from a personal perspective, in terms of his political motivations, is up to him,” Denholm said.

From Los Angeles Times

But some Birmingham residents were uncomfortable with the motivations of some of those backing the Weoley Warriors' crusade, as both flags have been exploited by some far-right political movements and demonstrations.

From BBC

Related Words

• catalyst 
• desire 
• encouragement 
• impetus 
• impulse 
• incentive 
• inclination 
• interest 
• motive 
• reason 
• wish