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

• management
• supervision
• administration
• control
• operation
• handling
• stewardship
• government
• direction
• governance

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

With new oversight, strong federal leadership, and an end to municipal cash grabs, the Commonwealth can finally deliver on the promise of a stable and prosperous energy system. —Dan Eberhart, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Defense attorneys countered that the suit was a bid to weaken judicial oversight of immigration. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025

Anyone can start a local Active Club chapter with minimal oversight. —Art Jipson, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2025

The bill proposes a 17-member oversight board for project approvals, streamlining the process. —Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 26 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for oversight

• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite
• analyte
• anchorite
• andesite
• anhydrite

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