Motivation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌmō-tə-ˈvā-shən/ mo·ti·va·tion

Meaning & Definition of Motivation

Motivation (noun)

  1. the act or process of giving someone a reason for doing something, the act or process of motivating someone
  2. the condition of being eager to act or work, the condition of being motivated
  3. a motivating force, stimulus, or influence, incentive, drive

Motivation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that arouses action or activity

    "fear of failing should be plenty of motivation to study for the test"

    similar: boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, impulse, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, momentum, provocation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast, shot in the arm
    related: inducement, invitation, antecedent, cause, consideration, grounds, motive, occasion, reason, catalyst, catalyzer, fuel, spark
    opposite: counterincentive, disincentive

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Motivation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Motivation:

boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, impulse, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, momentum, provocation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast, shot in the arm

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Motivation

Words with the opposite meaning of Motivation:

counterincentive, disincentive

Related Words for Motivation

inducement, invitation, antecedent, cause, consideration, grounds, motive, occasion, reason, catalyst, catalyzer, fuel, spark

Word Forms of Motivation

Derived words: motivational (adjective), motivationally (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Motivation

First known use: 1873

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Motivation

Frequently Asked Questions about Motivation

What does "Motivation" mean?

"Motivation" means the act or process of giving someone a reason for doing something, the act or process of motivating someone. As a noun, it is defined as: the act or process of giving someone a reason for doing something, the act or process of motivating someone.

What is another word for "Motivation"?

Other words for "Motivation" include boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, impulse, incentive, incitation and incitement. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Motivation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Motivation"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Motivation". Common alternatives include boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, impulse, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation and momentum.

What is the opposite of "Motivation"?

Antonyms of "Motivation" include counterincentive and disincentive.

How do you use "Motivation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Motivation" in a sentence: "fear of failing should be plenty of motivation to study for the test".

Is "Motivation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Motivation" is a noun.

Is "Motivation" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Motivation" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Motivation"?

"Motivation" is pronounced /ˌmō-tə-ˈvā-shən/ and divided into syllables as mo·ti·va·tion.