systematic

adjective

sys·​tem·​at·​ic ˌsi-stə-ˈma-tik 

1

: relating to or consisting of a system

2

: presented or formulated as a coherent body of ideas or principles

systematic thought

3

a

: methodical in procedure or plan

a systematic approach

a systematic scholar

b

: marked by thoroughness and regularity

systematic efforts

4

: of, relating to, or concerned with classification

specifically : taxonomic

systematically

ˌsi-stə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

systematicness

ˌsi-stə-ˈma-tik-nəs 

noun

Systematic and Systemic: Usage Guide

Systematic and systemic both come from system. Systematic is the more common word; it most often describes something that is done according to a system or method.

a systematic approach to learning that involves carefully following the program's steps

Systemic describes what relates to or affects an entire system, be that system physical, organizational, or societal. For example, a systemic disease affects the entire body or organism, and systemic changes to an organization have an impact on the entire organization, including its most basic operations. Systemic is also used specifically to identify something as fundamental to a predominant social, economic, or political practice.

systemic racism

Synonyms of systematic

• organized
• systematized
• methodical
• regular
• structured

Examples of systematic in a Sentence

We used a systematic approach to solve the problem.

She made a systematic study of the evidence.

the systematic production of cars

Recent Examples on the Web

Academy athletes are undergoing systematic physical training they previously would not have been exposed to until much later. — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 25 July 2026

The complaint alleges that over the following nine days, an increasingly frail Willis faced a systematic failure to respond to a visible and worsening crisis. — Gustavo Turner, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026

Beyond the dyes, the FDA began a systematic review of food chemicals. — Avik Roy, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Moss was involved in a systematic review that examined how rapidly measles antibody levels circulating in the blood decrease. — Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin systematicus, from Greek systēmatikos, from systēmat-, systēma

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing systematic

• non-systematic
• systematic error
• systematic theology

Rhymes for systematic

• achromatic
• acrobatic
• adriatic
• aliphatic
• antistatic
• aromatic
• astigmatic
• autocratic
• automatic
• bureaucratic
• charismatic
• cholestatic

Kids Definition

systematic

adjective

sys·​tem·​at·​ic ˌsis-tə-ˈmat-ik 

1

: relating to or forming a system

systematic thought

2

: presented or worked out as a system

3

: carried out or acting with thoroughness or regularity

systematic efforts

systematically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

systematic

adjective

sys·​tem·​at·​ic ˌsis-tə-ˈmat-ik 

: of, relating to, or concerned with classification

specifically : taxonomic

systematically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb