What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
countermeasure
Example
The company implemented several countermeasures to protect against cyber attacks. [countermeasures: noun]
Example
The military developed a countermeasure to defend against enemy missiles. [countermeasure: singular noun]
safeguard
Example
The school has several safeguards in place to protect students from harm. [safeguards: noun]
Example
The company implemented new safeguards to prevent data breaches. [safeguards: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Safeguard is more commonly used than countermeasure in everyday language. Safeguard is a versatile word that can be applied to a wide range of contexts, while countermeasure is more specific and often used in military, security, and technology-related contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between countermeasure and safeguard?
Both countermeasure and safeguard are formal words that are typically used in professional or technical contexts. However, safeguard is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings, while countermeasure is more specific and may be less commonly used in everyday conversation.