systematic
Americanadjective
-
having, showing, or involving a system, method, or plan.
a systematic course of reading; systematic efforts.
-
given to or using a system or method; methodical.
a systematic person.
-
arranged in or comprising an ordered system.
systematic theology.
-
concerned with classification.
systematic botany.
-
pertaining to, based on, or in accordance with a system of classification.
the systematic names of plants.
adjective
-
characterized by the use of order and planning; methodical
a systematic administrator
-
comprising or resembling a system
systematic theology
-
Also: systematical. biology of or relating to the taxonomic classification of organisms
Synonym Usage
See orderly.
Other Word Forms
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; see origin at system, -ic
Explanation
Systematic describes something that is planned out and careful. In your systematic search for your mother's car keys, you start in one room, looking everywhere from bottom to top before moving to the next room. Use the adjective systematic to describe things that are orderly and efficient. The Latin root of systematic is systema, an arrangement or system. Think about a multi-step process that you have found the fastest and best way to complete — you do it over and over. You might be systematic about packing for a long trip or the way you travel up and down the aisles at a grocery store, probably with a list in your hand.
Vocabulary lists containing systematic
List 6
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Holes
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
April 2025 was an example of when systematic strategies were whipsawed by an abrupt change of direction for risk assets.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 7, 2026
Last week an independent legal panel delivered a long-anticipated verdict, finding the club guilty on 114 counts of systematic financial fraud, amounting to more than a billion dollars in fake revenues and sham commercial sponsorships.
From Salon ● Oct. 4, 2026
“The aim is to create a systematic effect, not only to disrupt logistics,” Leon says.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026
Researchers have not yet carried out a systematic search for lead based ink across the collection.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 26, 2026
Aristotle was also the midwife of rhetoric’s place in the liberal arts—making it an object of systematic study and finding a place for it in his system of thought.
From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
