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systemic

siss-TEM-ik /sɪˈstɛmɪk/

adjectiveC1GRESATTOEFLUPSC

academicformal

Relating to or affecting an entire system, rather than just individual parts or isolated instances.

Implies that problems are built into the deeply embedded rules, culture, or infrastructure of an organization.

The story behind the word. From Greek 'systema' (an organized whole). Originally used heavily in medicine in the 19th century to describe diseases affecting the whole body (e.g., systemic infection), before migrating to sociology and economics.

Word relationships

entrenched: Entrenched highlights how firmly established something is, whereas systemic highlights that it affects the entire structure.
pervasive: Pervasive means spread everywhere; systemic means tied to the rules and framework of the system itself.

isolated: Occurring singly or in small, disconnected instances.
localized: Restricted to a specific part or area.

Commonly confused with

systematic: Systematic means organized, orderly, or step-by-step. Systemic means affecting the system as a whole.

Word family

systemically (adverb): In a manner that affects an entire system.
system (noun): A complex whole; a set of connected things.

Collocations

systemic racism
systemic failure
systemic change
systemic barriers

Idioms & expressions

deep-seated
built into the walls

Example sentences

"Fixing the school district requires addressing systemic inequality rather than penalizing individual struggling teachers." Policy reform address

Memory hook

SYSTEM-ic = embedded throughout the entire SYSTEM. Rooted in the system itself.

When not to use

Do not confuse with 'systematic' which means done according to a planned method or procedure.

Fun facts

In biology, systemic pesticides are absorbed by the whole plant rather than sitting on the leaves.