perfect storm

noun

1. Meteorology. a very intense and powerful storm arising from the convergence of an unusual set of weather patterns:

   A dying Hurricane Grace delivered the immeasurable tropical energy needed to create the perfect storm.

2. a detrimental or calamitous situation or event arising from the powerful combined effect of a unique set of circumstances:

   a perfect storm battering corporate pension plans.

perfect storm

noun

1. a combination of events which are not individually dangerous, but occurring together produce a disastrous outcome

Word History and Origins

Origin of perfect storm¹

First recorded in 1935–40 in meteorological sense; in 1997 for current sense, from The Perfect Storm, a nonfiction book by Sebastian Junger, U.S. journalist and author (born 1962)

Example Sentences

“There is a perfect storm of young inexperienced staff with poor vetting and inadequate training being thrown into a dystopian environment," Mr Podmore says, "where violence and organised crime dominate a failing prison system.”

From BBC

The west coast ferry operator is facing a perfect storm of problems as it tries to plan a winter schedule without two of the 10 major vessels it normally relies on.

From BBC

“There is kind of a perfect storm, if you will, of compounding hazards.”

From Salon

“The absolute powerlessness of the defendants and their families created the perfect storm of where there were no guardrails,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

“I think it's like a perfect storm,” Southwell said of the opioid crisis.

From Salon