systemic

Language: en

🇺🇸 /sɪˈstɛmɪk/

📖 Definitions

  1. adjective
    Relating to or affecting the entire body or organism, rather than a specific part or organ.; Relating to a system or systems; inherent in or affecting the structure or organization of a whole system.; Of or relating to a system, as opposed to a part; affecting the whole rather than individual components.; In pharmacology, referring to a drug or substance that is absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body, as opposed to acting locally.; In agriculture or botany, referring to a pesticide or herbicide that is absorbed by the plant and transported through its tissues.; Deeply ingrained and difficult to change because it is embedded in the fundamental structures, practices, or culture of an organization or society.
  2. noun
    A systemic pesticide or herbicide; a chemical agent that is absorbed and translocated within a plant or organism.

🔗 Details

Word forms

Comparative: more systemic Superlative: most systemic

Collocations

systemic risksystemic problemsystemic issuesystemic changesystemic failuresystemic racismsystemic infection

Derivatives

systemicallysystemsystematicsystematizesystematization

Synonyms

pervasivewidespreadstructuralfundamentalinherentdeep-rooted

Antonyms

localizedisolatedspecificsuperficial

Commonly confused

systematic
EN: 'Systematic' means done methodically according to a plan or system; 'systemic' means affecting or relating to an entire system (e.g., systemic disease vs. systematic approach).
systematical
EN: 'Systematical' is a rare variant of 'systematic' and is not related to 'systemic'.

Spelling tips

EN: Do not confuse 'systemic' (affecting the whole system) with 'systematic' (methodical, following a system). They are frequently misused interchangeably.

💬 Examples

  1. The patient was diagnosed with a systemic infection that had spread throughout the bloodstream.

  2. The financial crisis revealed systemic weaknesses in the banking sector.

  3. The company needed systemic changes to its management structure to remain competitive.

  4. The doctor prescribed a systemic antifungal medication rather than a topical cream.

  5. Farmers often use systemic insecticides that are taken up by the roots and distributed throughout the plant.

  6. Activists argued that racism in the institution was not merely individual but systemic.

  7. The gardener applied a systemic to protect the roses from aphids.