systematic
Americanadjective
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having, showing, or involving a system, method, or plan.
a systematic course of reading; systematic efforts.
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given to or using a system or method; methodical.
a systematic person.
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arranged in or comprising an ordered system.
systematic theology.
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concerned with classification.
systematic botany.
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pertaining to, based on, or in accordance with a system of classification.
the systematic names of plants.
adjective
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characterized by the use of order and planning; methodical
a systematic administrator
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comprising or resembling a system
systematic theology
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Also: systematical. biology of or relating to the taxonomic classification of organisms
Synonym Usage
See orderly.
Other Word Forms
Derived 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
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Holes
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The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
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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.
The trimmed mean makes that filtering more systematic.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026
A properly designed coal mine is "fully capable of preventing an explosion through systematic safeguards," explains Hong Chen, a professor at Jiangnan University's Institute for National Security and Green Development.
From BBC • May 31, 2026
“The methodology was to think as an active manager would, but make it systematic in an index form,” Kalivas said.
From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026
A 2025 systematic review and meta analysis of randomized trials found that supplementation with B vitamins, including B6, B9, or B12, produced a very small benefit in global cognitive function among older adults.
From Science Daily • May 22, 2026
Back at the compound, they had dug in a systematic order, row upon row, allowing space for the water truck.
From "Holes" by Louis Sachar
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.
