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.
The nonprofit sector’s woes are compounded by President Donald Trump’s tax bill, which reduces tax incentives for wealthy donors and makes steep cuts to social safety net programs. Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 11 July 2025 This safety net feature ensures that commuting sustainably is worry-free, encouraging more individuals to regularly choose a sustainable mode of transit without concern about unexpected changes to their daily schedules. Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 10 July 2025 The safety net goes further: emergency medical evacuation coverage is included in premium subscriptions. Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 Trump’s bill could remove social safety nets in a way that could greatly impact women. Brit Morse, Fortune, 7 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Safety net.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safety%20net. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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