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.

Following the dismantling of such groups, a power vacuum has emerged.

From

Amid this power vacuum, two alternative power centers have emerged.

From

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

power up power walking

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