perfect storm

noun

: a critical or disastrous situation created by a powerful concurrence of factors

Examples of perfect storm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And in Orange County, where commercial rent premiums and labor competition are fierce, operators faced a perfect storm of inflationary economic pressures. Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 30 Dec. 2025 Rising insurance premiums, high mortgage rates, and new structural inspections/repairs requirements combined to create a perfect storm resulting in diminished sales amid a growing inventory. Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 29 Dec. 2025 And though stress is ever-present, an acute stressor that activates the fight-or-flight response, brought on by an argument or difficult situation, could exacerbate the situation, creating a perfect storm. Allison Aubrey, NPR, 17 Dec. 2025 Brooks also gives Ella a dead mother (Rebecca Hall) and a troubled brother (Spike Fearn), rendering the character a perfect storm of familial trauma, which makes her go-getter attitude all the more impressive. Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perfect storm

Word History

First Known Use

1998, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perfect storm was in 1998

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Cite this Entry

“Perfect storm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfect%20storm. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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