motivation

American  

[moh-tuh-vey-shuhn] / ˌmoʊ təˈveɪ ʃən /

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.

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of motivation

First recorded in 1870–75; motive + -ation

Example Sentences

After feeling sluggish, low and lacking motivation, she re-examined her diet and started to eat more healthily again.

From BBC

But in many ways, the motivation behind Glasner's bombshell media briefing, in which he also admitted the club are open to selling star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, is neither here nor there for Palace.

From BBC

All four of her defeats at last year's Grand Slams came against the world's leading stars - who Raducanu said had extra motivation to beat her.

From BBC

My aunt pulled me close as we passed along the jasmine, explaining in a hushed voice what she thought was Mr. Drysdale’s motivation for doing the killing.

From Literature

Lawmakers from both parties have questioned the motivation behind the investigation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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