power vacuum

American  

[pou-er vak-yoom, -yoo-uhm, -yuhm] / ˈpaʊ ər ˌvæk yum, -yu əm, -yəm /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of power vacuum

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

"There's also been no indication that we're going to see a sustained military occupation in South America… perhaps a residual stabilisation presence to prevent a power vacuum," he said.

From BBC

Taking a look at what Maduro’s fall and a Venezuela power vacuum could mean for the oil sector, TD Cowen analysts told clients in a note that they believe Chevron stands to benefit the most, given it still has operations there.

From MarketWatch

And with the power vacuum left behind by the demise of the Kansas City Chiefs, a handful of teams atop the conference, including the Patriots and the Bills, have made their case as the best bets to step in and reach the Super Bowl.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the power vacuum left by these changes, a handful of families swooped in, securing military and political power.

From BBC

A more accurate understanding of revolution, however, emphasizes the failure of government and the ensuing power vacuum that rival forces then compete to fill.

From The Wall Street Journal