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
Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025
Cowan’s interest in juggling isn’t purely academic.
—Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Jake Kanter, Deadline, 11 July 2025
Professor Kim had visited North Korea and met with academics at the Wonsan Agricultural and Forestry University and learned of their great need to have more foreign academics visit for research collaborations.
—Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for academic
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
But Nicole DeWitt, the district’s deputy superintendent, said around $13 million for educator support professional development, multilingual education, academic enrichment and before- and after-school programs could be impacted.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025
Cowan’s interest in juggling isn’t purely academic.
—Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Noun
That’s the finding of a new research project led by Aston University academics, titled Black in Focus.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 11 July 2025
Professor Kim had visited North Korea and met with academics at the Wonsan Agricultural and Forestry University and learned of their great need to have more foreign academics visit for research collaborations.
—Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 9 July 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 17 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share