ac·a·dem·ic
ˌa-kə-ˈde-mik 
variants
or less commonly academical
1
a
: of, relating to, or associated with an academy or school especially of higher learning
the academic curriculum
academic courses
b
: of or relating to performance in courses of study
academic excellence
academic achievements
c
: very learned but inexperienced in practical matters
academic thinkers
d
: based on formal study especially at an institution of higher learning
her academic qualifications
2
: of or relating to literary or artistic rather than technical or professional studies
a region that has both academic and vocational high schools
3
a
: theoretical, speculative
a purely academic question
b
: having no practical or useful significance
4
: conforming to the traditions or rules of a school (as of literature or art) or an official academy : conventional
academic painting
1
a
: a member (such as a professor) of an institution of learning (such as a university)
Both of her parents are academics.
b
: a person who is academic in background, outlook, or methods
2
academics plural, chiefly US
: academic subjects : courses of study taken at a school or college
He has no interest in academics.
Examples of academic in a Sentence
Adjective
She received awards for her academic achievements.
I spent my academic career at one school.
The board set tough academic standards for graduation.
He was offered a teaching job and decided to return to academic life.
His interest in sailing is purely academic. He's not a sailor himself.
He's not very academic, but he's good with his hands.
Noun
The book appeals to academics and to the general public.
He only cares about sports. He has no interest in academics.
Recent Examples on the Web
Nia Bowers, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.
—Anna Commander
gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Shania Russell, EW.com, 21 May 2025
One of the main challenges with the conference was that blockchain and AI have largely evolved as separate disciplines—with different investors, entrepreneurs, academics, and communities.
—Korok Ray, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for academic
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
This philosophical underpinning drives the company beyond mere resurrection spectacles — a critique often levied by academic skeptics following the company’s milestone de-extinction announcement.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.
—Anna Commander
gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Noun
During a visit to the Call Her Daddy podcast, Goodall, 91, recalled that some academics fixated on her looks rather than the research.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 21 May 2025
One of the main challenges with the conference was that blockchain and AI have largely evolved as separate disciplines—with different investors, entrepreneurs, academics, and communities.
—Korok Ray, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for academic
Cite this Entry
“Academic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/academic. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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