motivation

mo‧ti‧va‧tion AC /ˌməʊtəˈveɪʃən, ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃən $ ˌmoʊ-/ BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: adjective: ↑motivated, ↑motivational, ↑motiveless; noun: ↑motive, ↑motivation; verb: ↑motivate]
1. [uncountable] eagerness and willingness to do something without needing to be told or forced to do it
sb’s motivation
efforts to improve employees’ motivation
Jack is an intelligent pupil, but he lacks motivation.
a high level of motivation
2. [countable] the reason why you want to do something
motivation for (doing) something
What was your motivation for becoming a teacher?
Escape can be a strong motivation for travel.
motivation behind
There is suspicion about the motivation behind the changes we are debating.
—motivational adjective:
motivational speeches

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

motivation

mo·tiv·ation [motivation motivations] [ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃn] ; [ˌmoʊtɪˈveɪʃn] noun countable, uncountable

• What is the motivation behind this sudden change?

• Most people said that pay was their main motivation for working.

• He's intelligent enough but he lacks motivation.

• (SAfrE) All research proposals must be accompanied by a full motivation.

Main entry: motivate_derived

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

motivation / ˌməʊ.tɪˈveɪ.ʃ ə n / / ˌmoʊ.t̬ɪ- / noun [ U ] (ENTHUSIASM)

B2 enthusiasm for doing something:

He's a bright enough student - he just lacks motivation.

There seems to be a lack of motivation among the staff.

motivation / ˌməʊ.tɪˈveɪ.ʃ ə n / / ˌmoʊ.t̬ɪ- / noun [ C ] (REASON)

C1 the need or reason for doing something:

What was the motivation for the attack?

The motivation behind the decision is the desire to improve our service to our customers.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

motivation

[mo͟ʊtɪve͟ɪʃ(ə)n]
motivations
N-COUNT: usu with poss
Your motivation for doing something is what causes you to want to do it.
Money is my motivation...
The timing of the attack, and its motivations, are unknown.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

motivation

mo·ti·va·tion /ˌmoʊtəˈveɪʃən/ noun, pl -tions
1 [noncount]
a : the act or process of giving someone a reason for doing something : the act or process of motivating someone
• Some students need motivation to help them through school.
b : the condition of being eager to act or work : the condition of being motivated
• employees who lack motivation
2 : a force or influence that causes someone to do something

[noncount]

• His behavior seemed to be without motivation. = There seemed to be no motivation [=reason, motive] for his behavior.

[count]

• Many people have questioned her motivations in choosing to run for office at this time.
- mo·ti·va·tion·al /ˌmoʊtəˈveɪʃənl̩/ adj
• a motivational speech [=a speech that is intended to motivate people]

motivation

noun