# academics

/ˌækəˈdɛmɪks/ (US) · /ˌækədˈɛmɪks/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/academics
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. university life and study

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

the subjects you study at school or university, and the world of research and learning.

For teachers: the world of higher education, research, and scholarly activities. Uncountable in this sense.

- She decided to focus on her academics rather than joining the sports team.
- The university's reputation for excellence in academics attracts researchers from across the globe who are eager to collaborate on high-level projects.

Usage: Often used to refer to the general field of study or a student's performance in their courses.

### 2. university teachers

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

people who teach and do research at a university.

For teachers: plural form of academic; individuals who belong to a university or other institute of higher education as teachers or researchers.

- Many academics attended the conference to share their latest findings.
- A group of leading academics signed an open letter expressing their concerns about the proposed changes to the national curriculum.

Usage: The plural form of the countable noun 'academic'.

## Examples

- She always prioritizes her academics over her social life.
- The university invited several leading academics to speak at the international conference on climate change.
- While the institution is famous for its athletic programs, it maintains a rigorous standard for academics to ensure students are prepared for professional careers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.