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

During this stage, fitting in and belonging often feels just as important as succeeding academically. — Maressa Brown, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026

Fejzo excelled academically, played the flute, and ran cross-country. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026

More than just medals, parents and coaches from both teams told The Beacon-News these squads have helped young athletes learn to overcome adversity, achieve more academically and create long-lasting friendships. — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

After being academically suspended in 2010, he was readmitted in 2011 after serving in the Army National Guard. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1626, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for academically

• biochemically
• epistemically
• photochemically
• chemically
• systemically