Describes something that is not primary or main, often used in contrast with 一次的 (primary). Common in technical, academic, or formal contexts.
This issue is secondary.
二次的な原因を調査する必要がある。
We need to investigate secondary causes.
derivative work
Compound of 二次 (にじ, 'secondary') + 的 (てき, '-like, -al'). 二次 is itself from 二 (に, 'two') + 次 (じ, 'order, next').