power vacuum

American  

[pau-er vak-yoom, -yoo-uhm, -yuhm] / ˈpaʊ ər ˌvæk jum, -ju əm, -jəm /

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

power vacuum

American combat troops left Iraq in 2011 but returned after the power vacuum led to the rise of IS in 2014.

From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2026

Islamic State has a presence in Mali and will seek to exploit a power vacuum.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 7, 2026

I spoke with my source in Isfahan and asked about the potential power vacuum.

From Slate ● Mar. 3, 2026

Mora said that "in the absence of a direct succession, a power vacuum is created that opens the door to violent realignments within the organization."

From Barron's ● Feb. 23, 2026

There is a power vacuum now with Lucera gone.

From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older

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