noun

systemic racism

si-STEM-ik RAY-sizm

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Systemic racism (noun) means Racial disadvantage that is produced by the ordinary rules, practices and habits of institutions such as courts, banks, schools and employers, so that unequal outcomes persist even where no individual intends to discriminate. Example: “The report found systemic racism in how stop-and-search powers were used.”

noun

Racial disadvantage that is produced by the ordinary rules, practices and habits of institutions such as courts, banks, schools and employers, so that unequal outcomes persist even where no individual intends to discriminate.

"The report found systemic racism in how stop-and-search powers were used."

"Campaigners argue that the gap in mortgage approvals is evidence of systemic racism rather than individual bias."

How to use systemic racism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUnfairness towards a racial group that is built into how organisations normally work.

When to use it

Standard in academic, legal and policy writing; politically contested in general debate, where some object to the term itself.

Memory tip

'Systemic' means running through a whole system; 'systematic' means done in a methodical way. The usual term here is systemic.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

structural racism institutional racism systematic racism

Common pairings

address systemic racism evidence of systemic racism systemic racism in healthcare tackle systemic racism

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “systemic racism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The report found _____ in how stop-and-search powers were used.

Etymology

A compound of systemic, 'affecting a whole system', and racism.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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structural racism institutional racism

Rhymes for systemic racism

racism

See all rhymes for systemic racism →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between systemic racism and individual racism?

Individual racism is prejudice or hostility held and acted on by a particular person. Systemic racism sits in policies, procedures and long-standing patterns, so it can carry on producing unequal results in an organisation where no one holds racist views.

Is systemic racism the same as institutional racism?

They overlap heavily and are often used interchangeably. 'Institutional racism' usually points at one body such as a police force or a university, while 'systemic racism' describes the pattern across many connected institutions at once.

Does systemic racism mean everyone in a system is racist?

No. The term is a claim about outcomes and mechanisms, not about the beliefs of the people working inside the system. That distinction is the most common source of argument about the phrase.

What is the meaning of systemic racism?

"systemic racism" (noun) means racial disadvantage that is produced by the ordinary rules, practices and habits of institutions such as courts, banks, schools and employers, so that unequal outcomes persist even where no individual intends to discriminate.