How to Pronounce "perfect storm"
expression
ˈpɝˌfɪkt/, /pɝˈfɛkt/ /ˈstɔɹm
PUR-fikt STORM
ˈpɜː.fɛkt/ /stˈɔːm
PUR-fekt STAWM
Definition
A rare situation where several bad things happen at the same time, making the overall problem much worse.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈpɝˌfɪkt/, /pɝˈfɛkt/ /ˈstɔɹm
British English
ˈpɜː.fɛkt/ /stˈɔːm
Simplified Pronunciation
US
PUR-fikt STORM
UK
PUR-fekt STAWM
Listen in Context
The company faced a perfect storm of rising costs and low sales.
The city had a perfect storm when a flood and a power outage happened together.
COVID-19 created a perfect storm for global supply chains.
High debt, slow sales, and bad weather combined in a perfect storm for small farmers.