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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
How rare are attacks like these? School shootings are rare, but Sweden – long associated with high living standards and a strong social safety net – has seen a surge in violent crime in recent years, driven in part by gang warfare. Henrik Pettersson, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025 It’s intended as a temporary safety net providing limited, expensive coverage, yet it’s become a dominant player in the insurance market. Umair Irfan, Vox, 5 Feb. 2025 To be sure, a safety net that ensures quality of life for all citizens—particularly children and the most vulnerable—should be a baseline provision of the social contract. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025 In fact, the onboard AI goes so far as to plot two trajectories simultaneously: one optimized for outright speed and the other leaning towards 'safety net, just in case' to avoid collisions. New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for safety net 

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 22 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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