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

This cycle of learning, mentoring, and leadership is one of the reasons Montessori classrooms help children develop not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. —Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026

Research finds field trips help students be more engaged and do better academically. —Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026

Rooney, whose father, Walter, is a doctor, wanted a college that would challenge him academically and athletically. —Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026

Researchers have found that when schools begin the day later, teens get more sleep and perform better academically. —Ari Daniel, NPR, 8 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1626, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for academically

• biochemically
• epistemically
• photochemically
• chemically
• systemically