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

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

From Slate

The power vacuum has dented morale and left CDC staffers confused as senior officials have rotated in and out amid shifting priorities and clashes over policy, say current and former employees.

From The Wall Street Journal

The NFL, meanwhile, has been unable to make any headway on headline issues such as expanding the regular season to 18 games because of the power vacuum inside the union.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

As well as the possibility of a civil war, such as experienced by Syria, Yemen and Libya, there is also the risk that in the chaos and confusion, ethnic tensions could spill over into armed conflict as Kurds, Baluchis and other minorities look to safeguard their own people amid a nationwide power vacuum.

From BBC