Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

systematic

American  
[sis-tuh-mat-ik] / ˌsɪs təˈmæt ɪk /
Sometimes systematical

adjective

  1. having, showing, or involving a system, method, or plan.

    a systematic course of reading; systematic efforts.

  2. given to or using a system or method; methodical.

    a systematic person.

  3. arranged in or comprising an ordered system.

    systematic theology.

  4. concerned with classification.

    systematic botany.

  5. pertaining to, based on, or in accordance with a system of classification.

    the systematic names of plants.


systematic British  
/ ˌsɪstɪˈmætɪk /

adjective

  1. characterized by the use of order and planning; methodical

    a systematic administrator

  2. comprising or resembling a system

    systematic theology

  3. Also: systematicalbiology of or relating to the taxonomic classification of organisms

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See orderly.

Other Word Forms

  • intersystematic adjective
  • intersystematical adjective
  • nonsystematic adjective
  • nonsystematical adjective
  • oversystematic adjective
  • oversystematicness noun
  • presystematic adjective
  • quasi-systematic adjective
  • systematically adverb
  • systematicness noun
  • unsystematic adjective
  • unsystematical adjective

Etymology

Origin of systematic

First recorded in 1670–80; from Late Latin systēmaticus, from Greek systēmatikós, equivalent to systēmat- (stem of sýstēma ) “system” + -ikos adjective suffix; system, -ic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"This constitutes a new and flagrant violation of all international laws and norms, and reflects a continued systematic policy of targeting journalists and silencing the voice of truth," it added.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Kennedy said the government will create a $144-million program called STOMP, for the systematic targeting of microplastics.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

“Earnings alone could push the market significantly higher if we can remove some of the systematic risk and refocus on company fundamentals.”

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Seama explains, "The underwater location allows us to implement systematic, large-scale surveys."

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

Within a few years he developed a systematic method of solving the tangent problem; he could figure out the tangent to any smooth curve at any point.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife