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
The initial tattoo image resembled a specific symbol of Hitler’s paramilitary Schutzstaffel, or SS, which was responsible for the systematic murders of millions of Jews and others in Europe during World War II.
—
Preston Fore, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
The use of violence and torture became systematic, according to Ukrainian investigators and victims of these abuses.
—Simon Shuster, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
Authorities emphasized the unusual nature of the case, noting that while petty theft is common, the systematic targeting of outdoor seating on such a large scale is rare.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
The analyst added that the fraudulent nature of the borrowers hints at a unique situation rather than an underlying systematic issue.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for systematic
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Preston Fore, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
The use of violence and torture became systematic, according to Ukrainian investigators and victims of these abuses.
—Simon Shuster, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
Authorities emphasized the unusual nature of the case, noting that while petty theft is common, the systematic targeting of outdoor seating on such a large scale is rare.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
The analyst added that the fraudulent nature of the borrowers hints at a unique situation rather than an underlying systematic issue.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 17 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 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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