English Reference
Adjective

motivational

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˌmoʊtəˈveɪʃənəɫ/ UK /mˌəʊtɪvˈeɪʃənəl/ mo·ti·va·tion·al

adj.giving someone a reason to work hard or feel excited about achieving a goal. You use this to describe things like speeches or posters that make people feel more positive.

adj.providing inspiration or incentive to act; designed to stimulate interest or enthusiasm for a particular task or goal.


SIMPLE

She gave a motivational speech to the team.

CONTEXTUAL

The company hired a motivational speaker to help the employees feel more excited about the new project.

COMPLEX

While some find motivational posters inspiring, others argue that true professional drive comes from a supportive environment rather than simple slogans on a wall.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun.

What about a new trainer, texting me motivational messages – “let’s go soldier mode!” – at 7am every day?

The Guardian· 3 Sept 2026

From motivation + -al.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated