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

But, for me, he's been way out of his depth as a motivator and tactical coach and lacked the aura to lead at such a dysfunctional club.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

I wanted to show that humor lives within this and that a lot of resilience and strength are also within this, and that was really the motivator.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

Self-will is a powerful motivator, and it may have served you well up until now.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 10, 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

Her letter was a Big Chop that was also a stupendous motivator.

From "Confessions of a Murder Suspect" by James Patterson

Related Words

• instigator
• mover