perfect storm

noun

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web These factors created a perfect storm and created a nightmare for law enforcement personnel in beach towns along the state's coast. Sarah Rumpf, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2023 The auction comes amidst something of a perfect storm. Bychris Morris, Fortune, 27 Feb. 2023 His crypto-mining company, among the largest in the world, has found itself—like the rest of the industry—in the path of a perfect storm. WIRED, 17 Feb. 2023 But as evidenced by Q4, the advertising slowdown and macroeconomic headwinds affecting consumers have created a perfect storm. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 16 Feb. 2023 All of this creates a bit of a perfect storm for industries looking to uplevel their security practices and processes as well as security professionals looking for new opportunities. Jim Barkdoll, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2023 The cause, according to the Forest Service, is something of a perfect storm. Lane Sainty, The Arizona Republic, 22 Dec. 2022 The Yaquis find themselves at the center of a perfect storm: Everybody from Mexican drug cartels to water-hungry lithium mines covet their land. Mark Stevenson, BostonGlobe.com, 28 Sep. 2022 As to the motive, the state had a theory that a perfect storm was gathering for Alex Murdaugh. CBS News, 4 Mar. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perfect storm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1998, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near perfect storm

Cite this Entry

“Perfect storm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfect%20storm. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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