Logistics

noun (plural in form; used with singular or plural verb)

/ləˈdʒɪs.tɪks/

The detailed planning, organisation, and implementation of the movement, supply, and maintenance of personnel, equipment, and materials, particularly during disaster response and relief operations.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

However visionary a welfare scheme may appear on paper, its success ultimately hinges on the logistics of last-mile delivery — the seamless movement of foodgrains, vaccines and cash transfers through a federal machinery that often falters at the district level.

Synonyms

coordinationorganisationsupply-chain managementplanningadministrationorchestration

Antonyms

disorganisationchaosmismanagementdisorder

🌱 Word Family

logistic (adj), logistical (adj), logistically (adv), logistician (n)

🔡 Root

French logistique = art of calculating; Greek logistikós = skilled in calculating; lógos = reason

📜 Etymology

From French logistique ("art of calculating"), from Ancient Greek logistikós ("skilled in calculating"), from lógos ("reason, computation"); the military supply sense was popularised by Antoine-Henri Jomini in 1830, from French logis ("lodging").

🧠 Memory Hook

Root in Greek "logos" (reason/calculation) — logistics is the REASONED CALCULATION of getting people and goods to the right place; think "LODGE + statistics": working out where to lodge troops and supplies.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Prelims 2016 — International Trade
Mains 2017 · GS3 · 10 marks — Science & Technology

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Logistics” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

⚠️ Disaster Management 📖 Seen in: Disaster Preparedness & Response — NDM...

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