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
Hank Cardello, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Their parents put a premium on intellectual curiosity, academic achievement and leading an ethically principled life.
—Serge F. Kovaleski, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
William Jones, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
To do that, the founders who are taking their technologies to the marketplace will have to make the transition from academics to effective CEOs and salespeople.
—Trevor Clawson, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for academic
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show current usage.
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Adjective
The study, sponsored by the Consumer Brands Association, examined academic research, studies and data on country obesity rates, and the short-term and long-term effects in dozens of countries where interpretive food warning labels are in place.
—Hank Cardello, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Their parents put a premium on intellectual curiosity, academic achievement and leading an ethically principled life.
—Serge F. Kovaleski, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
Determined to find his place, Yemane threw himself into academics and extracurriculars.
—William Jones, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
To do that, the founders who are taking their technologies to the marketplace will have to make the transition from academics to effective CEOs and salespeople.
—Trevor Clawson, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 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 3 May. 2025.
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