motivation

[ moh-tuh-vey-shuh n ]

/ ˌmoʊ təˈveɪ ʃən /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR motivation ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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.

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.

something that motivates; inducement; incentive: Clearly, the company's long-term motivation is profit.

Nearby words

Origin of motivation

First recorded in 1870–75; motive + -ation

Related forms

mo·ti·va·tion·al, adjectivemo·ti·va·tive, adjectivean·ti·mo·ti·va·tion·al, adjectivede·mo·ti·va·tion, noun

non·mo·ti·va·tion, nounnon·mo·ti·va·tion·al, adjectivere·mo·ti·va·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for motivation

“You ask me my motivation,” Marvin says, moving back into his tough guy persona again.
The Story Behind Lee Marvin’s Liberty Valance Smile|Robert Ward|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
As the recruitment process begins, the question of motivation could also prove to be a hurdle.
U.S. Hasn’t Even Started Training Rebel Army to Fight ISIS|Tim Mak|November 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
At least part of the motivation for that change came from people coming out of the closet and putting a human face on the insult.
Yes, ‘Aspergery’ Is a Slur and It's Time to Stop Using It|Emily Shire|October 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Instead, they highlighted Stewart's discussion of her character's motivation.
The Right-Wing Crusade Against KStew: How Fear Factories Like Breitbart and Fox Distort News|Marlow Stern|October 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST

At the time Sorenson said that his motivation was “to defeat Mitt Romney” and that Paul was the best candidate to do so.
The Time Michele Bachmann Was Right|Ben Jacobs|August 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The law of motivation only extends to the particular actions, not to willing as a whole and in general.
Introduction to the Science of Sociology|Robert E. Park
Nevertheless he was the basis, the motivation second only to mine.
Question of Comfort|Les Collins
The motivation in the case shifts from the ground of material interest to the spiritual ground of the moral sentiments.
An Inquiry Into The Nature Of Peace And The Terms Of Its Perpetuation|Thorstein Veblen
What can act as a source for their motivation, for the strength they have lost?
When You Don't Know Where to Turn|Steven J. Bartlett
If his action is successful, his Gestalt is closed: the problem is resolved, and the motivation is fulfilled.
When You Don't Know Where to Turn|Steven J. Bartlett

British Dictionary definitions for motivation

motivation

/ (ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃən) /

noun

the act or an instance of motivating

desire to do; interest or drive

incentive or inducement

psychol the process that arouses, sustains and regulates human and animal behaviour

Derived Formsmotivational, adjectivemotivative, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for motivation