'system-level' originates from the combination of 'system' and 'level', where 'system' refers to a set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole, and 'level' indicates a particular position or degree.

'System' comes from the Latin word 'systema', and 'level' comes from the Old French word 'livelle'. Together, they form the modern English term 'system-level'.

Initially, 'system-level' referred to the hierarchical position within a system, but it evolved to describe attributes or changes affecting the entire system.