desmotivación
/desmotibaθjon/from spelling rules
The English phrase "lack of motivation" is translated into Spanish as desmotivación.
Desmotivación refers to the state of not having the enthusiasm or drive to do something. You can also use the phrase falta de motivación to express this same concept.
What does it mean word for word?
The word desmotivación uses the prefix des-, which functions as a negation similar to the English prefixes "un-" or "dis-".
Which one should you use?
Desmotivación is a single noun, whereas falta de motivación is a common alternative phrase used to express the same idea.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Latin America, the phrase falta de ganas can be used interchangeably with falta de motivación to convey a lack of desire or willingness.
How does it change in a sentence?
Desmotivación is a feminine noun, which means any accompanying adjectives must also be feminine, such as in the phrase una desmotivación constante.
How do you pronounce it?
/desmotibaθjon/
Did you know?
- The word ánimo, used to describe the spirit needed to counter desmotivación, shares a linguistic root with the English word 'animal'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, a sudden lack of motivation or a crash in mood is called a bajón, which literally refers to a 'drop' or 'downward plunge'.
- The word flojera is used to describe a lack of motivation specifically rooted in lethargy, making it more judgmental than the neutral desmotivación.
Examples in context
- Señor González, lamento informarle que hemos notado una falta de motivación en el equipo.Mr. González, I regret to inform you that we have noticed a lack of motivation in the team.
- Atribuimos la disminución de la productividad a la carencia de motivación de algunos empleados.We attribute the decrease in productivity to the lack of motivation of some employees.
- Últimamente, no tengo ganas de hacer nada. Me siento completamente desmotivado/a.Lately, I don't feel like doing anything. I feel completely unmotivated.
- No tengo ánimo para estudiar esta semana, prefiero descansar y relajarme.I don't have the drive to study this week, I prefer to rest and relax.
- Siento una gran desmotivación en el trabajo.I feel a great lack of motivation at work.
- La desmotivación de los alumnos es un problema.The students' lack of motivation is a problem.
- Su desmotivación impide que termine el proyecto.His lack of motivation prevents him from finishing the project.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are talking about their study habits.
- ElenaAlejandro, ¿por qué no has estudiado nada?Alejandro, why haven't you studied anything?
- AlejandroTengo una desmotivación terrible hoy.I have a terrible lack of motivation today.
- ElenaDeberías tomar un descanso corto primero.You should take a short break first.
- AlejandroTienes razón, eso me ayudaría mucho.You are right, that would help me a lot.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
