Systemic-Systematic | Commonly Confused Words

Systemic

/sɪˈstemɪk/

Relating to or affecting the entire body or a whole system

/ˌsɪstəˈmætɪk/

Done using a fixed plan or method

She takes a systematic approach to her research.The museum's cataloging is very systematic.His systematic mind made him a great chess player.

Systemic relates to something that affects the entire system, like the human body or an organization, as a whole.
Systematic refers to something done using a fixed, organized method, or a plan.
Remember: -ic as in systemic affects the entirety of the body, as -demic is for epidemic, which affects populations worldwide.
The -atic in systematic has the same root as automatic, indicating regularity and structure.
Think of a systematic approach as something you plan and detail step-by-step, while systemic issues are those that are part and parcel of a whole system.