An electro-mechanical actuator for generating an axial actuation force is provided. The electro-mechanical actuator includes an electric machine having a stator (1) and a rotor (2). The electro-mechanical actuator also includes a spindle drive with a rotary element (6) and with an element that is movable in a translatory manner. A rotation of the rotary element (6) may result in a translatory motion of the element that is movable in a translatory manner. The rotor (2) and the rotary element (6) of the spindle drive are coupled to each other in a circumferential direction (U) such that a rotation of the rotor (2) results in a rotation of the rotary element (6) of the spindle drive (5). A rotational play (8) is formed between the rotor (2) and the rotary element (6) of the spindle drive in the circumferential direction (U).