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

While Qatari entities have said their motivations include building local human capital and supporting research, the money seems to come with strings attached.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I think the way she's been able to use all the negative things that have happened to her and turned them into motivation and fuel to be better is amazing," Jovic said.

From BBC

Investors probably aren’t acting on inflation jitters in this instance, although as always the market’s motivations are hard to know precisely.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The current situation with cocoa doesn't give me any motivation," he added.

From Barron's

Whatever your motivation, the discipline to hold for the cycle ahead will be key as markets continue to be buffeted by geopolitical uncertainty.

From Barron's

Related Words

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