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 president can make nominations but doesn't have direct oversight. —Bonnie Bolden, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025

How judicial selection works under DC home rule In Washington, D.C., two different commissions have handled judicial selection and oversight since 1970. —Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 29 Apr. 2025

If transitioning to a new field, emphasise skills like strategic planning, stakeholder management, problem-solving, or financial oversight – abilities that hold value regardless of industry. —Andrew Fennell, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Our City Council demanded answers — convening oversight hearings and seeking truth for our workers and our residents. —Zac Blanchard, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 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