safety net

noun

: something that provides security against misfortune or difficulty

Examples of safety net in a Sentence

The program provides a safety net for people who have lost their jobs.
Recent Examples on the Web Part of the funds to make the early repayment will come from the country’s cash buffer, which was built up during the debt crisis as a safety net. Paolo Confino, Fortune Europe, 13 June 2024 However, unlike Gardner, Wilson, and Johnson, the Jets don’t have the fifth-year option as a safety net with Hall after selecting him in the second round of the 2022 draft. Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 10 June 2024 Another way is to help workers with education and new skills as well as strengthening the social safety net with more generous jobless benefits. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 June 2024 Our real-world tester noted significant fading by the end of the day and needed a safety net of foundation to conceal her blemishes. Kate Watson, Peoplemag, 28 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for safety net 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'safety net.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of safety net was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near safety net

Cite this Entry

“Safety net.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safety%20net. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!