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logistics

loh-JIS-tiks /ləˈdʒɪstɪks/

nounC1GREGMATCATXAT

professionalbusiness

The detailed organization and implementation of a complex operation involving many people, facilities, or supplies.

Refers to the strategic planning and coordination behind a major move or operation, rather than just the physical labor.

The story behind the word. From French 'logistique', from Greek 'logistikos' (skilled in calculating), from 'logos' (reason, computation). It was popularized by the military to describe the movement, lodging, and supply of troops.

Word relationships

coordination: Coordination is a general term for making things work together, while logistics specifically implies the movement and supply of physical assets.
organization: Organization is the act of arranging things, whereas logistics is the active management of flow and supply chains.

Commonly confused with

logic: Logic is the study of reasoning, while logistics is the practical management of complex operations.

Word family

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

Collocations

logistics coordinator
complex logistics
military logistics
logistics network

Example sentences

"The logistics of moving a family of five across the globe required months of meticulous planning." Complex relocation
"She works in logistics, coordinating the distribution of medical supplies to remote clinics." Business operations

Memory hook

Think of 'logistics' as the 'logic' of moving 'statistics' (or assets) from place to place. Logistics is the logic of movement.

When not to use

Do not use for very simple, single-step tasks like carrying a single box.

Fun facts

The concept of logistics was refined during World War II, where delivering fuel and ammunition to the front lines was as critical as the combat itself.