motivator

American  

[moh-tuh-vey-ter] / ˈmoʊ təˌveɪ tər /

noun

1. a person or thing that gives people an incentive or reason for acting.

   He's a great teacher and coach—a master motivator both in the classroom and on the basketball court.

   Money is important, but often it isn't the primary motivator when a candidate accepts a job offer.

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Other Word Forms

• demotivator noun

Etymology

Origin of motivator

motivat(e) ( def. ) + -or ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

For years she’s been labeled by critics as a better motivator than a tactical strategist you count in crunch time.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Companies pushing AI adoption on employees through fear are using the wrong motivator.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 18, 2025

Koerner had Daisy as a motivator, along with a figure-things-out mentality from running an investigations and fraud-prevention company that deals with government agencies and multiple businesses.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2025

A backup offer can also act as a powerful motivator, encouraging the initial buyer to stay committed and keeping expectations in check throughout the closing process.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

Hope in the shadow of fear is the world’s most powerful motivator.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

Related Words

• instigator
• mover