power vacuum

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

noun

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of power vacuum¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

More than 140 people have been killed in the last month in Culiacán as two factions of the Sinaloa compete to fill a power vacuum.

From Los Angeles Times

Gangs in Haiti have capitalised on the power vacuum and expanded their control over swathes of the country, which has effectively been rendered lawless in places.

From BBC

More than 140 people have been killed in the last month in Culiacán as two factions of the Sinaloa compete to fill a power vacuum.

From Los Angeles Times

More than 140 people have been killed in the last month in Culiacán as two factions of the Sinaloa compete to fill a power vacuum.

From Los Angeles Times

More than 140 people have been killed in the last month in Culiacán as two factions of the Sinaloa compete to fill a power vacuum.

From Los Angeles Times