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

Some of that has been driven by political choices — to wage war, cut taxes or provide a more generous social safety net during the COVID-19 pandemic. — Scott Horsley, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026

Our students are doing that in real time with the guidance and the safety net of having a faculty and a university community behind them. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

One recent report determined the social costs gambling creates for New Jersey amount to $350 million annually, including medical care, social safety net expenses and child protective services resources. — Brianne Doura-Schawohl, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026

Home video used to be the safety net for a movie that underperformed theatrically. — Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 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