academically

American  

[ak-uh-dem-ik-lee] / ˌæk əˈdɛm ɪk li /

adverb

1. in a way that relates to studies at a college, academy, school, or other educational institution.

   Our caring teaching staff are committed to helping each child develop as a whole person—academically, physically, socially, and emotionally.

2. in a way that pertains to areas of study that are not primarily applied, such as the humanities or pure mathematics, or to instruction that is theoretical rather than hands-on.

   It’s possible to be academically prepared while also having a good concentration in career and technical education.

   I have studied art both academically in college and through a subsequent apprenticeship with an artist.

3. in a way that is purely theoretical or hypothetical rather than practical, realistic, or directly useful.

   While many theologians write academically and very dryly, this author sets before us a rich feast for both heart and mind.

4. in a way that conforms to set rules, standards, or traditions; conventionally.

   Today it is almost a crime to paint academically or realistically, so few art study programs contribute much to the solid foundation required to be a professional artist.

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unacademically
  adverb
• interacademically
  adverb
• semiacademically
  adverb
• subacademically
  adverb
• quasi-academically
  adverb
• nonacademically
  adverb
• pseudoacademically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of academically

First recorded in 1600–10; either academical ( def. ) + -ly ( def. ) or academic ( def. ) + -ally ( def. )

Example Sentences

He began a bachelor’s program, thinking it might help, but struggled academically and left early with $60,000 in student debt.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

“My family motivated me to be academically focused and I found a balance to do both,” he said of his return to soccer.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

In Los Angeles, he immediately confronted a school district in which many students had long struggled to achieve and were further set back, academically and emotionally, by the COVID-19 pandemic.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

This suggests that many college students aren’t academically prepared or even inclined.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

His parents sent him to school in England, where he excelled academically and developed an interest in theatre and writing.

From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow