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
To environmental activists, the systematic deconstruction of America’s coal industry was a beautiful thing, a way to meet emissions goals set under the Paris Climate Accords.
—
David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
For the latter, organizations must invest in their own systematic transformation, covering everything from strategy and operations to communications, to become future-ready brands that are resilient, impactful, responsive and adaptive.
—Piyachart Isarabhakdee, Time, 7 Apr. 2025
At that time, America’s history with Indian people, the Native people of the land, was very traumatic, very sudden and systematic.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 30 Mar. 2025
Under the guise of government efficiency, the Trump Administration has led America through a systematic degradation of its national security apparatus in just two months.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for systematic
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David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
For the latter, organizations must invest in their own systematic transformation, covering everything from strategy and operations to communications, to become future-ready brands that are resilient, impactful, responsive and adaptive.
—Piyachart Isarabhakdee, Time, 7 Apr. 2025
At that time, America’s history with Indian people, the Native people of the land, was very traumatic, very sudden and systematic.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 30 Mar. 2025
Under the guise of government efficiency, the Trump Administration has led America through a systematic degradation of its national security apparatus in just two months.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 24 Mar. 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 13 Apr. 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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