lack motivation

[/læk moʊtɪˈveɪʃən/]
verb phrase
falta de motivação / carecer de motivação
1. to be without the desire or drive to do something; to have insufficient incentive or enthusiasm to accomplish a task or goal
After losing his job, he started to lack motivation to look for new opportunities.
Depois de perder seu emprego, ele começou a carecer de motivação para procurar novas oportunidades.
2. to not have the psychological or emotional impulse needed to engage in an activity
Many students lack motivation when studying subjects they find uninteresting.
Muitos estudantes carecem de motivação ao estudar disciplinas que acham desinteressantes.
In both Brazilian and American contexts, 'lack motivation' is commonly used in educational and workplace settings. In Brazil, it's frequently discussed in relation to student performance and work culture. In the USA, the concept is deeply tied to self-help and productivity culture, with emphasis on overcoming motivational struggles through various strategies and personal development.
NYC Slang
ain't got no drive / not feeling it / unmotivated
Synonyms / Sinônimos
lack drivelack enthusiasmlack incentivebe unmotivatedlack ambitionlose momentum
Antonyms / Antônimos
be motivatedhave drivebe enthusiasticbe ambitioushave incentive

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
falta de motivação / carecer de motivação
Most common and widely understood throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
tá sem gás / tá desanimado
Informal, colloquial usage among younger speakers
São Paulo
falta de motivação / tá desmotivado
Both formal and casual usage
Portugal
falta de motivação / carecer de motivação
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; sometimes 'desmotivação' is used

Related Words

motivationunmotivatedapathylethargyprocrastinationdriveincentiveenthusiasm

Related Idioms & Phrases

lose steam
run out of gas
hit a wall
lose heart
lack the fire in one's belly
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