# system vs systemic

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### system
*noun · IPA /ˈsɪstəm/ · frequency rank #249*
A group or set of related things that operate together as a complex whole.

### systemic
*adjective · IPA /sɪˈstɛmɪk/ · frequency rank #10,620*
Embedded within and spread throughout and affecting a whole system, group, body, economy, market, or society.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/system-vs-systemic