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

"Accountability goes a long way as well when your motivation is low," she adds.

Read more on BBC

His motivation is not just to win, but to set new standards in his sport.

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The Bruins have won their last two trips to the Coliseum, giving DiGiorgio motivation to make it three in a row and end his college career 3-2 against the Trojans.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

While luxe vacations and private schooling give children clues that they are wealthy, many families don’t share their true net worths, fearful of spoiling them or dimming their motivation to earn.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I thought something in my life would change,” Ali told detectives of his motivation according to the Ventura County Star.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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