journalistic

American  

[jur-nl-is-tik] / ˌdʒɜr nlˈɪs tɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of journalists or journalism.

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journalistic British  

/ ˌdʒɜːnəˈlɪstɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of journalism or journalists

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonjournalistically
  adverb
• nonjournalistic
  adjective
• journalistically
  adverb
• unjournalistic
  adjective
• prejournalistic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of journalistic

First recorded in 1825–35; journalist + -ic

Explanation

Journalistic things have to do with writing or reporting about the news. Most journalistic stories are found in newspapers or magazines, or on news-related websites. Years ago, a journalistic job would probably be writing for a daily newspaper, or possibly reading the news over the radio. Today a journalistic career could include writing articles for various online news sites or taking photographs of current events for a magazine, or even recording an interview for a podcast. Most journalistic work is done by journalists, meaning "writers or broadcasters of the news."

Example Sentences

To add journalistic flair, interview friends and family members and quote them.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

Days after the disaster, when his journalistic instinct had subsided, the enormity of the tragedy became clear.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

There’s no more reason for Kelly to feign deference to journalistic standards, because there’s no more glittering future in them.

From Slate • May 6, 2026

“We don’t work with the ad agencies signing the consent order, and our ratings are based on nonpartisan journalistic standards, not political orientation,” said NewsGuard co-founder Gordon Crovitz.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Where’s my professionalism, anyway, the journalistic detachment that was supposed to guide and sustain me every inch of the way?

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich