What is the Difference Between Systemic and Systematic?

The terms "systemic" and "systematic" are both adjectives that relate to a system, but they have different meanings and uses:

• Systematic: This term refers to something that uses or follows a system, often implying a thoroughness or methodical approach. It is commonly used to describe actions or processes that are done according to a system or method. For example, a systematic review of scientific literature involves a methodical search, evaluation, and synthesis of relevant studies.
• Systemic: This term is primarily used to describe something that relates to an entire system, be it physical, organizational, or societal. It implies that the issue or phenomenon is fundamental to the system itself and has a comprehensive effect on it. For example, systemic racism refers to the presence of racism throughout an entire social or organizational structure, rather than just in specific instances or individuals.

In summary:

• Use "systematic" when discussing something methodical or organized according to a system.
• Use "systemic" when discussing something that has comprehensive effects on an entire system.

Some examples to illustrate the difference:

• A systematic approach to identifying and addressing a problem might involve a step-by-step process or the use of a specific method or framework.
• A systemic issue, such as systemic racism, is deeply rooted in the system and requires fundamental changes to the system to be addressed.

Comparative Table: Systemic vs Systematic

The main difference between systemic and systematic lies in their meanings and applications. Here is a table summarizing the key differences between the two terms:

In summary, something described as systemic is part of or embedded within a system, while something described as systematic follows a structured plan and methodology. Both terms have their place in different contexts and can be complementary in dealing with complex situations.