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logistics

luh-JIS-tiks /ləˈdʒɪstɪks/

nounB2GMATIELTSCAT

businessmilitaryacademic

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

While strategy is the plan and tactics are the action, logistics is the physical support system (food, fuel, ammo, transport) that makes both possible.

The story behind the word. In the 19th-century French army, the 'Maréchal des logis' was the officer responsible for lodging and quartering troops. The term evolved to cover the entire science of moving and supplying armies, heavily influenced by the mathematical precision of Greek 'logistikos'.

Word relationships

organization: Organization is a broad term for structure, while logistics specifically deals with the movement and supply of physical goods.
distribution: Distribution is the act of delivering goods, whereas logistics encompasses the entire cycle of planning, storing, and transporting.

chaos: Chaos represents the complete breakdown of order, planning, and supply lines.

Commonly confused with

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

Word family

logistic (adjective): Relating to logistics.
logician (noun): A person who is skilled in logic (note: not logistics).

Collocations

logistics network
supply chain logistics
military logistics
logistics nightmare

Example sentences

"The invasion failed not due to a lack of courage, but because the logistics of supplying food and fuel over such vast distances proved impossible." A historical military analysis.
"The online retail giant mastered global logistics, allowing them to deliver packages within twenty-four hours." Modern business management.

Memory hook

Think of 'logistics' as the 'logic' of moving 'lists' of supplies to the troops. Logistics is the 'logic' of 'lodging' and loading supplies.

When not to use

Do not use to describe pure abstract planning or combat maneuvers; it must involve the physical movement and supply of resources.

Fun facts

General Dwight D. Eisenhower once remarked, 'You will not find it difficult to prove that battles, campaigns, and even wars have been won or lost primarily because of logistics.'