academically

adverb

ac·​a·​dem·​i·​cal·​ly ˌa-kə-ˈde-mi-k(ə-)lē 

: in an academic way: such as

a

: with regard to formal studies or academics

doing well academically

academically advanced students

And it has made them more appealing to colleges, which have grown more welcoming as they find that homeschoolers do fine academically.

—Linda Perlstein

… fans and coaches at academically elite institutions would say that, yes, they were handicapped by stricter admissions policies, but in the long run, brains win out over brawn.

—Mark Bechtel

b

: in a theoretical or speculative way without practical application

That scheme for bottling beer is interesting—but only academically. Down here, we don't bottle it, but drink it.

—H. L. Mencken

c

: in a way that conforms to the tradition or rules of a school (as of literature or art)

The big problems arise with his paintings as artworks. His audacity with the brush is vitiated by academically fussy composition.

—Peter Schjeldahl

Examples of academically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The stars were well-read and well-spoken, and academically motivated, some graduating in three years. —Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026

The results revealed on average, people born preterm or with low birth weight scored lower on intelligence tests and performed worse academically than those born at full term and a healthy weight. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026

An early achiever academically, Noor finished high school at 16. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026

Social factors influencing Sam’s health included social isolation, missing school, and falling behind socially and academically as a result. —Big Think, 24 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1626, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for academically

• biochemically
• epistemically
• photochemically
• chemically
• systemically