Systematic means methodical — carried out according to a plan or system. Systemic means affecting an entire system throughout. A systematic search is thorough and organised; a systemic problem is built into the whole structure. One describes how something is done, the other how far something reaches.
The core difference
Method versus extent.
- systematic — methodical, organised: a systematic review.
- systemic — pervading a whole system: systemic risk, systemic failure.
Where the swap changes the claim
"Systematic discrimination" means deliberately organised discrimination. "Systemic discrimination" means discrimination built into the structures, whether or not anyone organised it. Those are materially different allegations, and the words are not interchangeable in that context.
The technical uses
A systematic review is a specific research method with defined protocols. Systemic in medicine means affecting the whole body rather than one area — a systemic infection as opposed to a localised one. Both are precise terms in their fields.
Frequently asked questions
Which word means affecting the whole system?
Systemic. Systematic means done according to a method.
Is systematic discrimination the same as systemic?
No. Systematic implies it was organised; systemic means it is built into structures whether or not anyone organised it.
What is a systematic review?
A research method following defined protocols to review all available evidence on a question.