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

systematically

ˌsi-stə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

systematicness

ˌsi-stə-ˈma-tik-nəs 

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, be that system physical, organizational, or societal. 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. Systemic is also used specifically to identify something as fundamental to a predominant social, economic, or political practice.

systemic racism

Synonyms of systematic

• organized
• systematized
• methodical
• regular
• structured

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 systematic integration of DPI means that a small-scale weaver in India or an artisan in Egypt can plug directly into a multi-nation marketplace without navigating complex Western banking rails. — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026

There is a seductive argument for a more systematic approach in the interests of greater consistency, but the issue rarely arises and gets lost among more pressing matters. — Graham Scott, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

However, the site had never been subjected to systematic scientific exploration and documentation, lending particular significance to the mission’s work. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 8 Sep. 2026

My systematic observation of their behavior and feeding could finally begin. — Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing systematic

• non-systematic
• systematic error
• systematic theology

Rhymes for systematic

• achromatic
• acrobatic
• adriatic
• aliphatic
• antistatic
• aromatic
• astigmatic
• autocratic
• automatic
• bureaucratic
• charismatic
• cholestatic

Kids 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

systematically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

systematic

adjective

sys·​tem·​at·​ic ˌsis-tə-ˈmat-ik 

: of, relating to, or concerned with classification

specifically : taxonomic

systematically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb