power vacuum

[ pou-er vak-yoom, -yoo-uhm, -yuhm ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a situation where there is a lack of leadership in a government or organization, often because an existing leader has left or been lost:
The power vacuum left by the chairman’s sudden departure has created a bitter contest for control.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of power vacuum¹

First recorded in 1940–45

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Few shots were fired, but Crimea was seized at gunpoint during a power vacuum.

From

When Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led the rebel offensive that overthrew Assad, was appointed by a military council on 29 January, he delivered a speech in which he stressed that the priority was to "fill the power vacuum in a legitimate and legal way".

From

And into that power vacuum, the unelected rich and powerful happily stepped, intent on Getting Big Things done.

From

The rationale appeared to be to prevent extremist groups from moving down to the Golan in the power vacuum.

From

The former prime minister told the BBC that US President Donald Trump's policy of American "isolation" was creating a power vacuum that would embolden nations like Russia and China.

From

power up power walking

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