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 …

—George Bernard Shaw

The error was a simple oversight.

Synonyms of oversight

• management
• supervision
• control
• operation
• administration
• 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

The Department of Defense did not immediately respond to a CNBC request for comment regarding potential involvement or oversight of Starlink’s operations in Venezuela. —Dylan Butts, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026

Cook County residents are better served when oversight is strong, independent and properly funded. —Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026

But to maintain a lower overall cost, SIMPLEx missions have a higher risk posture and lighter requirements for oversight and management, notes the space agency. —Leonard David, Space.com, 4 Jan. 2026

Congressional oversight exists to ensure there is a clear strategy, accountability, and that American lives are not put at unnecessary risk. —Briauna Brown, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026

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