systematic

The word “systematic” means carried out according to a fixed, organized plan or method. In plain terms, done in an organized, methodical way, following a consistent plan or pattern.

“Systematic” is pronounced sihs-tih-MAT-ihk (/ˌsɪs.təˈmæt.ɪk/ in IPA).

Here is “systematic” used in a sentence: “The investigators took a systematic approach, checking every lead in order.”

The opposite of “systematic” — its antonyms — are asystematic, nonsystematic and unsystematic.

“Systematic” is an adjective.

The word “systematic” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin systematicus, from Greek sustematikos, related to "system.".

“Systematic” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Systematic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: carried out according to a fixed, organized plan or method.

"Systematic" means done according to a fixed, organized plan or method, as in a systematic search. "Systemic" means affecting an entire system, such as a systemic disease or systemic risk; the two are often confused but are not interchangeable.

Both describe careful, orderly work, but "systematic" emphasizes following an overall plan or system, while "methodical" stresses proceeding step by step in a deliberate way. A systematic approach implies structure, and a methodical one implies patience and thoroughness.

"Systematic" often describes wrongdoing that happens repeatedly as part of a consistent pattern, as in systematic abuse, discrimination, or fraud. In this use it stresses that the harm is organized and deliberate rather than accidental or isolated.

"Systematic" frequently pairs with approach, review, study, method, and search when describing organized work. In critical contexts it often precedes abuse, discrimination, or corruption to describe patterned wrongdoing.