Which term refers to pending customer orders that have not yet shipped?

The term that accurately refers to pending customer orders that have not yet shipped is "backlog." A backlog represents all the orders that a company has received but has not yet fulfilled or shipped to the customer. It indicates the accumulation of unshipped orders, showcasing the volume of work that is still pending. This term is commonly used in supply chain management to measure the efficiency of order processing and fulfillment capabilities.

In contrast, a backorder specifically refers to items that are temporarily out of stock but can still be ordered by customers. A pending order is a broader term that might not specifically indicate that the items are not yet shipped, while ordered inventory refers to stock that has been ordered but does not emphasize the status of shipment. The distinct definition and usage of "backlog" make it the correct choice in this context.