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. 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.

Synonyms

• methodical
• methodic
• neat
• orderly
• organized
• regular
• systematized

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

These include systematic pinpoint strikes on Israel’s array of surveillance outposts along the border, shooting down high-flying top-of-the-line Israeli drones, and hits on Israel’s Iron Dome batteries and anti-drone defenses. —Ben Wedeman, CNN, 27 June 2024

There haven’t been systematic studies of math in CTE at the college level, according to James Stone, director of the National Research Center for Career and Technical Education at the Southern Regional Education Board, who ran the 2006 study. —Steven Yoder, USA TODAY, 24 June 2024

Learning engineering fosters children’s growth and potential to solve problems (not to mention teaching them persistence, a necessary part of the systematic, iterative process of engineering). —Christine M. Cunningham, Scientific American, 18 June 2024

Israel has faced growing international criticism for its strategy of systematic destruction in Gaza, at a huge cost in civilian lives. —Aamer Madhani, TIME, 31 May 2024

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

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