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systemic racism

American  
[si-stem-ik rey-siz-uhm] / sɪˈstɛm ɪk ˈreɪ sɪz əm /

noun

  1. racism.


Etymology

Origin of systemic racism

First recorded in 1970–75

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.

See Examples For:

"Now we need to go beyond the symbolic," he said, urging a "real reparations programme", including for example more funds for educational projects to transmit history and help battle systemic racism.

From Barron's May 28, 2026

In a post on X, Rev Sharpton said Floyd's death had "forced a long overdue reckoning with systemic racism and galvanized millions to take to the streets in protest".

From BBC May 25, 2025

Appelbuam argues that systemic racism and NIMBYism are not the only factors that have led to bad outcomes for minorities.

From Los Angeles Times Feb. 19, 2025

He has continued Dr. King’s legacy in building such a coalition that address the intersectionality of systemic racism, poverty, environmental degradation and religious nationalism.

From Salon Jan. 20, 2025

He starts by talking about his experience growing up Black in Mississippi and moves on to talk about systemic racism and how we don’t even realize how embedded it is in our world.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh

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