systemic

1 of 2

adjective

sys·​tem·​ic si-ˈste-mik 

: of, relating to, or common to a system: such as

a

: affecting the body generally

systemic diseases

b

: supplying those parts of the body that receive blood through the aorta rather than through the pulmonary artery

c

: of, relating to, or being a pesticide that as used is harmless to the plant or higher animal but when absorbed into its sap or bloodstream makes the entire organism toxic to pests (such as an insect or fungus)

Neonics … are what is known as "systemic" pesticides. That is, the neonics are applied directly to seeds, and those treated seeds then grow into the crops that contain neonicotinoids in their pollen, their nectar and, indeed, their every fiber.

—Joel Bleifuss

d

: fundamental to a predominant social, economic, or political practice

Her story is one of hard-won resilience and a desire to fight against tremendous odds: the systemic poverty instigated and perpetuated by what her advocates describe as punitive government policy.

—Stephanie Convery

People are tired of marching. People are tired of hashtag protests. People want some systemic change.

—Rev. Tiffany Thomas

see also systemic racism

systemically

si-ˈste-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

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.

systemic

2 of 2

noun

: a systemic pesticide

Examples of systemic in a Sentence

Adjective

The company made some systemic changes to the way it operated.

The problem seems to be systemic.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

These opportunities are especially impactful for people of color, who often face systemic barriers to accessing essential resources such as quality health care. —Aidé Acosta, The Mercury News, 27 Dec. 2024

This often necessitates conscientious efforts and systemic changes in the company culture. —Mo Hamzian, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024

Noun

Some systemic, some only thinly veiled as things the next quarterback — eventually first-round pick Bo Nix — would do better than Wilson. —Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 13 Sep. 2024

In addition, the use of broad-spectrum pesticides as a systemic applied to the soil or sprayed on plants often sets up gardeners for heavy infestations of spider mites. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1803, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1951, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing systemic

• systemic lupus erythematosus
• systemic racism
• systemic risk

Kids Definition

systemic

adjective

sys·​tem·​ic

sis-ˈtem-ik

: of, relating to, or common to a system: as

a

: of or relating to the body as a whole

a systemic disease

b

: concerned with the circulation that supplies blood to the bodily tissues through the aorta rather than the circulation involved in carrying blood through the pulmonary artery

c

: fundamental to a predominant social, economic, or political practice

systemic change

Medical Definition

systemic

1 of 2 adjective

sys·​tem·​ic sis-ˈtem-ik 

: of, relating to, or common to a system: as

a

: affecting the body generally compare local

b

: supplying those parts of the body that receive blood through the aorta rather than through the pulmonary artery

c

: being a pesticide that as used is harmless to a higher animal or a plant but when absorbed into the bloodstream or the sap makes the whole organism toxic to pests (as cattle grubs, mites, or aphids)

systemically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

systemic

2 of 2 noun

: a systemic pesticide