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.
Even more alarming, one in four Medicaid requests—the very safety net program for children, the elderly, and those living in poverty—go unanswered. Dr. Nicholas Cozzi, Time, 25 Sep. 2025 The United States has no effective safety net to prevent someone who gets into financial or other trouble from falling all the way to homelessness on the streets. Bruce Higgins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025 The alternative option is a $1,000 first-bet safety net, which causes a bonus refund after a loss. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 Like many single mothers throughout history finding themselves without a safety net, Christine took up a job. Emily Zarevich, JSTOR Daily, 23 Sep. 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 30 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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