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

But after it put down its weapons, thousands of fighters demobilized in some of Colombia’s most lucrative cocaine-producing regions, leaving a power vacuum.

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

The new group’s constituent factions from the Pakistani Taliban have historically had strong affiliations with al Qaeda, and IMP has successfully moved into a power vacuum in Afghanistan left by the Islamic State Khorasan Province.

From The Wall Street Journal

"There is a power vacuum. The solution is not revenge, neither confusion, but a peaceful, inclusive and responsible transition," said Ravalomanana, who lost power to Rajoelina in the 2009 coup.

From Barron's