dead air

Definitions

A period of silence in a broadcast, typically caused by a technical error or an unplanned pause.

A lapse in conversation or communication that creates an awkward or uncomfortable silence.

Examples

The radio host panicked when there was five seconds of dead air during the live broadcast.

The interview became awkward as long stretches of dead air filled the room while the candidate struggled to answer.

Synonyms

silence broadcast gap transmission void audio dropout unintended quiet

Antonyms

continuous broadcast live commentary constant audio feed uninterrupted signal active transmission