oversight

noun

over·​sight ˈō-vər-ˌsīt How to pronounce oversight (audio)
1
a
: watchful and responsible care
you to whom oversight of the University is entrustedN. 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 intentionG. B. Shaw
The error was a simple oversight.

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
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.
For funders operating nationwide, the challenge lies in navigating a patchwork of state regulations while preparing for the possibility of broader federal oversight. Andrew Coon, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 Consolidating regulation would also give the Office of Insurance Regulation more oversight of insurers’ affiliate companies, the office wrote. Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025 This will also likely give you more comfort to fade your presence and oversight of your children’s outdoor play, giving them even more benefit of the freedom of unstructured time without an adult! Emily Edlynn, Parents, 4 Apr. 2025 The grants are formulated based on population and give state libraries complete oversight as to how funding is allocated to their local branches. Alyssa Spady, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oversight

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of oversight was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Oversight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oversight. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

oversight

noun
over·​sight -ˌsīt How to pronounce oversight (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on oversight

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