# nature abhors a vacuum

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/nature-abhors-a-vacuum
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Generating and maintaining a near-vacuum is challenging (requiring technical rigor) because ambient pressure tends to push matter forcefully into the evacuated chamber; and generating a true vacuum (devoid of any matter at all) is extremely challenging.

## Examples

- Nature abhors a vacuum, so air rushes into any empty space.
- When the manager resigned, the team felt a power struggle because nature abhors a vacuum.
- In the absence of strong leadership, the political organization descended into chaos, proving once again that nature abhors a vacuum.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.