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

Nonprofits that provide vital services to communities have faced these challenges even as demand for their services has increased as a result of cuts to social safety net programs. — Phil Buchanan, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026

For decades, the Office for Civil Rights, or OCR, served as a critical safety net when local schools failed to meet federal disability standards. — David Edward Dematthews, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026

Rising prices and possible safety net changes point to the need for conversations with a competent financial advisor to stress test financial plans, Roth said. — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026

In the absence of a financial safety net, the allure of pursuing the fastest-growing options can be strong. — Shreyans Lodha, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for safety net

• electrojet
• plantagenet
• videlicet
• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• binet
• briquette