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缺乏动力
quēfá dònglì
lack motivation
他最近缺乏动力，工作效率很低。
He's been lacking motivation lately, so his work efficiency is very low.
neutral
to lack motivation or drive to act or perform tasks
由于缺乏动力，她连续几周都没有完成任何工作。
Due to lacking motivation, she hasn't completed any work for several weeks.
很多学生在期末考试前都会缺乏动力。
Many students lack motivation before final exams.
Often used in contexts of work, study, or personal goals where sustained effort is expected.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish from '失去兴趣'
'缺乏动力' implies inability to act despite potential interest, while '失去兴趣' (lose interest) means the interest itself has vanished. Compare: '他对工作失去兴趣' (He lost interest in work) vs. '他对工作缺乏动力' (He lacks motivation for work despite still being interested).
Gold Rule
Context matters
Use '缺乏动力' for situational lack of drive. For permanent traits, use '没有干劲' (no drive) or '懒惰' (lazy).
Word Origin
The phrase combines '缺乏' (quēfá, 'to lack') and '动力' (dònglì, 'motivation/power'). '动力' is a modern compound formed from '动' (move) + '力' (power), reflecting the concept of energy driving action.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to describe a temporary or situational lack of drive. Not typically used for permanent personality traits unless in a clinical context.
Word Breakdown
缺乏
to lack, to be deficient in
verb动力
motivation, driving force
noun汉英词典