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.
This shift will require employees to develop new skills, particularly in areas such as AI oversight, strategic planning and creative problem-solving. Deepinder Singh Sethi, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 Ultimately, the report recommends stricter oversight of charters and stronger protections for students and educators. Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025 Roberts, who joined the firm in 2022 as its first general counsel, will continue his oversight of Ware Malcomb’s legal functions while providing counsel to its offices in the Americas. Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 22 May 2025 So throwing more regulations and oversight at charter schools as AB 84 requires is the answer for districts that didn’t do their jobs? U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 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 28 May. 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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