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logistics

loh-JIS-tiks /ləˈdʒɪstɪks/

nounC1GREGMATCATIELTS

professionalacademic

The detailed organization and implementation of a complex operation, especially the movement of supplies and people.

Refers to the overarching system and planning of movement, rather than a single act of delivery.

The story behind the word. Logistics has its roots in the Greek word 'logistikos', meaning 'skilled in calculating', which comes from 'logos' (reason or calculation). Historically, the term was heavily associated with military operations, referring to the complex task of moving and quartering troops and supplies in the field.

Word relationships

coordination: Coordination is a general term for making things work together, while logistics is specifically focused on the movement of resources and goods.
organization: Organization is the act of structuring something, while logistics is the active management of flow and supply lines.

Commonly confused with

logic: Logic is the study of reasoning and truth, while logistics is the practical management of physical movement and supply chains.

Word family

logistical (adjective): Relating to the organization of a complex operation.
logistically (adverb): In a way that relates to logistics.

Collocations

logistics network
third-party logistics
military logistics
logistics management

Example sentences

"Planning a major music festival requires complex logistics to coordinate security, food vendors, and artist schedules." Event planning
"The company hired a logistics expert to streamline their global distribution network and reduce shipping costs." Business operations

Memory hook

Logistics is the 'logic' of 'statistics' used to move goods efficiently. Logistics: The logic of moving goods.

When not to use

Do not use for simple, single-step tasks that do not involve complex coordination of multiple moving parts.

Fun facts

During World War II, the Allied victory was largely attributed to superior logistics, which allowed for the massive and rapid movement of troops and equipment across oceans.