systematically
Americanadverb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of systematically
First recorded in 1640–50; systematic ( def. ) + -ally ( def. )
Explanation
If you do something systematically, you do it in an orderly, methodical way. Someone who systematically records her dreams is careful to write them in a notebook every single morning. Use the adverb systematically when you describe something that's carried out in a deliberate way, especially following a plan. You might systematically memorize every word in the dictionary, starting with A and working your way through the alphabet, or watch a toddler systematically pick up one Cheerio at a time from his bowl and throw it on the floor. Systematically and systematic come from a Greek root, systematikos, or "combined in a whole."
Vocabulary lists containing systematically
Hard Times
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!
Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -ly
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!
South of Somewhere
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.
His forces systematically prioritised targeting Russian air defence starting in December 2025, he said.
From Barron's • May 17, 2026
In the memo, Kratsios said the aim was to "systematically undermine American research and development and access proprietary information".
From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026
Few countries, he said, systematically track which species are being traded across their borders, and even fewer conduct routine pathogen screening in those animals.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026
The main problem with “A League of His Own” is Mr. Stein’s willingness to take at face value Spalding’s claims in his 1911 book, “America’s National Game,” which systematically inflates Spalding’s role in events.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026
By proceeding systematically in this manner, the police are able to engage in an extremely high volume of searches.
From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander
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.
