English · Culture & Society
a perfect storm
/ə ˈpɜː.fɪkt stɔːm/
[/ə ˈpɜː.fɪkt stɔːm/]
rare bad combination
Advancedphrase
Definition
A rare combination of events that together create a uniquely bad or disastrous situation.
Example
Rising costs, staff shortages, and bad weather created a perfect storm for the struggling airline.
Rising costs, staff shortages, and bad weather created a perfect storm for the struggling airline.
Etymology
Popularised by Sebastian Junger's 1997 book 'The Perfect Storm' about a deadly 1991 weather event.
How & Where It’s Used
Common in news and business for a convergence of damaging factors.