motivation

[ moh-tuh-vey-shuhn ]

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.

Other Words From

• mo·ti·va·tion·al adjective
• mo·ti·va·tive [moh, -t, uh, -vey-tiv], adjective
• de·mo·ti·va·tion noun
• non·mo·ti·va·tion noun
• re·mo·ti·va·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of motivation¹

First recorded in 1870–75; motive + -ation

Example Sentences

The big question, post Treble triumph, is where does the motivation come from?

From BBC

She wants to help the animals because she feels connected with their plight as someone who is also physically different, but that desire doesn’t go beyond surface motivations.

From Los Angeles Times

“I think it is good for German industry that Volkswagen is running into some problems because it will increase motivation,” he says.

From BBC

He said it was difficult but that he had a strong motivation.

From Los Angeles Times

For Tyson, perhaps the lure of the limelight was too much to stay away from, and the several millions also provided added motivation.

From BBC

Related Words

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