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.
Human hesitation served as a natural safety net. Jeffrey Highman, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 Huang made his case as AI has emerged as a political flashpoint, with objections to plans to build more data centers and fears that the speed with which it’s being adopted could spur the layoffs of workers who might not have a safety net. Josh Boak, Fortune, 17 June 2026 For others like Lai and me, instant noodles serve an important emotional and physical safety net in modern daily life. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 16 June 2026 Lastly, a new faculty-only sick leave bank will ensure a more secure safety net and access to parental leave. Cbs Baltimore Staff, CBS News, 14 June 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Safety net.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safety%20net. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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