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

Mayweather is 49 and Pacquiao 47, yet another staggering payday serves as a great motivator.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 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

Companies pushing AI adoption on employees through fear are using the wrong motivator.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 18, 2025

Safety is the biggest motivator for Steven, who cited cases such as the triple death crash in St Mellons in 2023 when it took police two days to find the car involved.

From BBC • Nov. 29, 2025

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

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

Related Words

• instigator
• mover