oversight

noun

over·​sight ˈō-vər-ˌsīt 

1

a

: watchful and responsible care

you to whom oversight of the University is entrusted

—N. M. Pusey

b

: regulatory supervision

congressional oversight

The new manager was given oversight of the project.

2

: an inadvertent omission or error

whether by oversight or intention

—G. B. Shaw

The error was a simple oversight.

Synonyms

• administration
• care
• charge
• conduct
• control
• direction
• governance
• government
• guidance
• handling
• intendance
• management
• operation
• presidency
• regulation
• running
• stewardship
• superintendence
• superintendency
• supervision

Examples of oversight in a Sentence

The fact that you didn't get an invitation is surely just an oversight.

The error was a simple oversight.

The new manager was given oversight of the project.

Recent Examples on the Web

The preference for cost-saving automation overlooks the critical need for human oversight in complex or emotionally sensitive situations. —Nizan Geslevich Packin, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

In 2022, the Electoral Count Reform Act, passed with bipartisan support, strengthened the original act by creating a system of judicial oversight, where courts have the final say on the lawful counting of votes and determination of a slate of electors. —Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024

These are jobs that require human oversight, creativity and problem-solving — skills that machines, at least for now, can’t replicate. —Justin Maier, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024

But some patients just do need a higher level of oversight and intensive care than a place like the clubhouse model can provide. —Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

oversight

noun

over·​sight -ˌsīt 

1

: the act or duty of overseeing : supervision

have the oversight of a job

2

: an error or a leaving something out through carelessness or haste