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

Alford chairs the House Small Business Committee subcommittee oversight, investigations and regulations, and is the vice chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on military construction, veterans affairs and related agencies. — Jack Harvel july 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026

Lawmakers also have to decide who investigates complaints, resolves disputes and pays for any new oversight system. — Nora O'Neill 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026

The House Administration Committee was allotted $10 billion in the House’s budget resolution for election law reforms, as the committee has oversight authority of federal elections. — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 27 July 2026

Bullard said national organizations often respond to hazing by tightening oversight or disciplining chapters involved in misconduct. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 27 July 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