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 In 2023, a group of researchers from Norway conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to better understand how pervasive workaholism really was. Ellen Choi, Forbes, 22 Sep. 2024 The State Department and rights groups have said those allegations include numerous credible reports of arbitrary killings, torture and detention as well as systematic repression of civil society, free press and free expression. Courtney Bonnell, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2024 It is also supposed to keep records of wrongdoing in a systematic manner. Parker Yesko, The New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2024 Kolmogorov developed a systematic way to identify the shortest program. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for systematic 

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 2 Oct. 2024.

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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