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logistics

luh-JIS-tiks /ləˈdʒɪstɪks/

nounB2IELTSTOEFLGMAT

ProfessionalMilitary

The detailed coordination of a complex operation involving many people, facilities, or supplies.

While often used for shipping, it applies to any complex organization of resources, including events or military movements.

The story behind the word. Originally a military term, it comes from the French 'maréchal des logis', the officer responsible for finding 'lodgings' (logis) for troops. It evolved to encompass the entire supply chain needed to keep an army moving.

Word relationships

coordination: Coordination is general; logistics specifically involves the physical movement and storage of resources.

disorganization: The complete lack of systematic planning or resource management.

Commonly confused with

logic: Logic is the study of reasoning; logistics is the management of physical movement. They share no etymological root.

Word family

logistical (adjective): Relating to the management of complex operations.

Collocations

logistics nightmare
supply chain logistics
third-party logistics

Example sentences

"The logistics of the D-Day invasion required the movement of millions of tons of equipment across the English Channel." Military History
"Logistics is the art of having the right thing, at the right place, at the right time." Business Strategy

Memory hook

Think of 'Logistics' as 'Lodging' for your 'Sticks' (goods). You need to plan where every stick stays and how it moves. The 'how' and 'where' of moving stuff.

When not to use

Do not use it to mean simple 'planning'; it implies a high level of complexity and physical movement.

Fun facts

The term was popularized by the military theorist Jomini during the Napoleonic Wars.
Today, '3PL' (Third-Party Logistics) is a multi-billion dollar industry.