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

Erin excelled academically, especially in math, the school noted. —Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2025

What’s the 49ers’ approach at RB? After taking starting reps at tailback through the spring, Louisville transfer Don Chaney Jr. is academically ineligible and no longer with the program, according to a team spokesman. —Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2025

Several of the suits specifically alleged the company’s leadership knew that staff directed students to obtain phony diplomas or enrolled people who were academically ineligible. —Chris Quintana, USA Today, 26 July 2025

The program is meant to academically challenge the kids, who are in grades K-3. —The Tennessean, 24 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1626, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for academically

• biochemically
• epistemically
• photochemically
• chemically
• systemically