systematic
adjective
sys·tem·at·ic
ˌsi-stə-ˈma-tik 
1
: relating to or consisting of a system
2
: presented or formulated as a coherent body of ideas or principles
systematic thought
3
a
: methodical in procedure or plan
a systematic approach
a systematic scholar
b
: marked by thoroughness and regularity
systematic efforts
4
: of, relating to, or concerned with classification
specifically
: taxonomic
Systematic and Systemic: Usage Guide
Systematic and systemic both come from system. Systematic is the more common word; it most often describes something that is done according to a system or method
a systematic approach to learning that involves carefully following the program's steps
Systemic describes what relates to or affects an entire system. For example, a systemic disease affects the entire body or organism, and systemic changes to an organization have an impact on the entire organization, including its most basic operations.
Examples of systematic in a Sentence
We used a systematic approach to solve the problem.
She made a systematic study of the evidence.
the systematic production of cars
Recent Examples on the Web
This multifaceted nature demands systematic and rigorous problem-solving approaches, going beyond immediate symptoms or superficial quick fixes.
—
Mohammad Adnan, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Claims of systematic targeting of white farmers exist, with farm attacks averaging 50 murders yearly, often cited as evidence.
—Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 15 May 2025
Americans had adopted internationally on an ad hoc basis and in small numbers in the years before and after World War II, but systematic international adoption is rooted in the aftermath of the Korean War (1950-1953) when Americans began adopting children from South Korea.
—Time, 15 May 2025
Alawites are subjected to systematic persecution by the new Syrian authorities, whose roots lie in the violent jihadist movement.
—Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for systematic
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Mohammad Adnan, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Claims of systematic targeting of white farmers exist, with farm attacks averaging 50 murders yearly, often cited as evidence.
—Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 15 May 2025
Americans had adopted internationally on an ad hoc basis and in small numbers in the years before and after World War II, but systematic international adoption is rooted in the aftermath of the Korean War (1950-1953) when Americans began adopting children from South Korea.
—Time, 15 May 2025
Alawites are subjected to systematic persecution by the new Syrian authorities, whose roots lie in the violent jihadist movement.
—Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for systematic
Cite this Entry
“Systematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/systematic. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
systematic
adjective
sys·tem·at·ic
ˌsis-tə-ˈmat-ik
1
: relating to or forming a system
systematic thought
2
: presented or worked out as a system
3
: carried out or acting with thoroughness or regularity
systematic efforts
Medical Definition
systematic
adjective
sys·tem·at·ic
ˌsis-tə-ˈmat-ik
: of, relating to, or concerned with classification
specifically
: taxonomic
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