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
Bob Shaw, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025
The reality of climate anxiety is strongly supported by academic research.
—Simi Thambi, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 26 June 2025
Among its more exciting recent releases is this novel, about a Cambridge University academic who is haunted by the story of his soft-spoken grandfather, who for 10 years was a prisoner of conscience in Vietnam.
—Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for academic
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show current usage.
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Adjective
But they were clearly impressed by his scholarship and writing skills, which are the principal criteria for grading academic papers.
—Bob Shaw, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025
The reality of climate anxiety is strongly supported by academic research.
—Simi Thambi, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
The provision has also drawn backlash from academics, tech workers, advocacy groups and even some lawmakers.
—Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 26 June 2025
Among its more exciting recent releases is this novel, about a Cambridge University academic who is haunted by the story of his soft-spoken grandfather, who for 10 years was a prisoner of conscience in Vietnam.
—Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 25 June 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 11 Jul. 2025.
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