systematic

adjective

sys·​tem·​at·​ic ˌsi-stə-ˈma-tik How to pronounce systematic (audio)
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
systematically adverb
systematicness noun
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 Just 32 — or 2 percent — had resulted in arrests or warrants, and those cases were unrelated to the purportedly systematic abuses that elections activists claimed had tainted the 2020 election. Sharon Lafraniere, New York Times, 18 Sep. 2023 The panel recommends creating a systematic reporting framework incorporating greater use of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Kate Duffy, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2023 The foremost principle: Math instruction must be systematic and explicit. Sharon Lurye, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Sep. 2023 Others were subject to systematic killings, including shootings and gassings, according to the museum. Tobi Raji, Washington Post, 6 Sep. 2023 Ensuring a systematic and innovative approach, the company brings all stakeholders on board and provides a unique solution. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 1 Sep. 2023 Voyatzoglou was relatively obscure, interested in systematic research, and supported by meagre public funds. Nick Romeo, The New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2023 However, a systematic review of existing efforts to redesign society–from the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals to extensive reports produced by a plethora of institutions–reveals that humanity’s problems can be categorized into six drivers of change–and 10 existential threats. Chandran Nair, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2023 The idea that Connecticut’s state police officers may have conducted a yearslong scheme of systematic deceit has shocked the public, embarrassed the state’s law enforcement community and enraged its political leadership at a time of national conversations about police accountability. Amelia Nierenberg, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'systematic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin systematicus, from Greek systēmatikos, from systēmat-, systēma

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of systematic was in 1666

Dictionary Entries Near systematic

Cite this Entry

“Systematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/systematic. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

systematic

adjective
sys·​tem·​at·​ic ˌsis-tə-ˈmat-ik How to pronounce systematic (audio)
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
systematically adverb

Medical Definition

systematic

adjective
sys·​tem·​at·​ic ˌsis-tə-ˈmat-ik How to pronounce systematic (audio)
: of, relating to, or concerned with classification
specifically : taxonomic
systematically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on systematic

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