academically

adverb

ac·​a·​dem·​i·​cal·​ly ˌa-kə-ˈde-mi-k(ə-)lē 

: in an academic way: such as

a

: with regard to formal studies or academics

doing well academically

academically advanced students

And it has made them more appealing to colleges, which have grown more welcoming as they find that homeschoolers do fine academically.

—Linda Perlstein

… fans and coaches at academically elite institutions would say that, yes, they were handicapped by stricter admissions policies, but in the long run, brains win out over brawn.

—Mark Bechtel

b

: in a theoretical or speculative way without practical application

That scheme for bottling beer is interesting—but only academically. Down here, we don't bottle it, but drink it.

—H. L. Mencken

c

: in a way that conforms to the tradition or rules of a school (as of literature or art)

The big problems arise with his paintings as artworks. His audacity with the brush is vitiated by academically fussy composition.

—Peter Schjeldahl

Examples of academically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But the parents opting out point to research showing that students who used computers at school performed worse academically and that information is better retained when read on paper. —Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 16 Feb. 2026

Students who are teetering academically or who are getting in trouble too much — or who show sudden changes in behavior — are urged to visit with ASPIRE counselors. —Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 15 Feb. 2026

When was the last time we were told that a player was academically ineligible to play? —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026

The decision comes as the district faces a financial crisis, leadership changes and a growing number of campuses struggling academically. —Noah Alcala Bach, San Antonio Express-News, 9 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1626, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for academically

• biochemically
• epistemically
• photochemically
• chemically
• systemically