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adj Uncommon

systemic

sih-STEHM-ihk
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Systemic (adj) means affecting or built into an entire system, organization, or body rather than just one part of it. Example: “The report described the problem as systemic rather than the fault of a few individuals.”

adj
1
Affecting or built into an entire system, organization, or body rather than just one part of it.
"The report described the problem as systemic rather than the fault of a few individuals."
"A systemic infection spreads through the whole body, not just one area."
"Delays on this railway are systemic, caused by old tracks and poor planning everywhere."

How to use systemic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBuilt into and spread throughout the whole system, not limited to an isolated part.

Common mistake

"Systemic" describes something embedded throughout a system (like systemic racism or a systemic illness); "systematic" describes a methodical, planned way of doing something. They look similar but mean different things.

Easily confused with
systematic →
Common pairings
systemic issue systemic risk systemic infection
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The report described the problem as _____ rather than the fault of a few individuals.

Etymology

From "system" plus the adjective-forming suffix "-ic."

Synonyms

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pervasive widespread endemic

Antonyms

topical endemic

Related words

general common specific introduced rare broadcast universal contained

Rhymes for systemic

anemic polemic endemic epidemic academic pandemic
See all rhymes for systemic →

Frequently asked questions

What does “systemic” mean?
The word “systemic” means affecting or built into an entire system, organization, or body rather than just one part of it. In plain terms, built into and spread throughout the whole system, not limited to an isolated part.
How do you pronounce “systemic”?
“Systemic” is pronounced sih-STEHM-ihk (/sɪˈstɛm.ɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “systemic” in a sentence?
Here is “systemic” used in a sentence: “The report described the problem as systemic rather than the fault of a few individuals.”
What is the opposite of “systemic”?
The opposite of “systemic” — its antonyms — are topical and endemic.
What part of speech is “systemic”?
“Systemic” is an adjective.
Is “systemic” a common word?
“Systemic” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between systemic and systematic?
Systemic describes something that affects or is built into an entire system, organisation, or body, such as a systemic problem running throughout an institution. Systematic instead describes a methodical, step-by-step approach or process, which is a different quality entirely.
What does it mean to call a problem systemic?
Calling a problem systemic means it is embedded throughout an entire system, organisation, or body rather than confined to one isolated part. This implies the problem cannot be fixed by addressing a single component alone.
Is systemic used only in medical contexts?
No, while 'systemic' is often used medically to describe something affecting the whole body rather than one organ, it is also widely used to describe problems or issues built into any system or organisation. The core meaning is the same regardless of context.

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general common specific introduced rare broadcast universal contained