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

Not wanting to break a "streak", or run of consistent days, is definitely a motivator for her and her friends.

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2026

"I always say that my mum was my biggest motivator," said Hill, speaking ahead of her strawweight bout against China's Xiong Jingnan.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

In a 2022 AAA survey, 77% of respondents said saving money on gas was their primary motivator for purchasing an electric vehicle.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

Ms. Atwood shows how an effort to make sense of—and peace with—the past can be a powerful motivator and a deep source of imaginative possibility.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

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

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

Related Words

• instigator
• mover