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
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
George Bernard ShawThe 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
Democrats, meanwhile, have warned that the escalating conflict risks drawing the United States into a prolonged war without a clear strategy or congressional oversight.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 25 Mar. 2026
The coalition called on lawmakers to pause debate on the bill and incorporate stronger transparency provisions, mandatory environmental and socio-cultural impact studies, independent oversight mechanisms and a more robust framework for protecting human rights and the environment.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
Seems more like a deliberate choice than an oversight at this point.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2026
From his perspective, this approach supports a more cohesive working environment where teams can operate effectively without excessive oversight.
—William Jones, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oversight
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Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 25 Mar. 2026
The coalition called on lawmakers to pause debate on the bill and incorporate stronger transparency provisions, mandatory environmental and socio-cultural impact studies, independent oversight mechanisms and a more robust framework for protecting human rights and the environment.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
Seems more like a deliberate choice than an oversight at this point.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2026
From his perspective, this approach supports a more cohesive working environment where teams can operate effectively without excessive oversight.
—William Jones, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oversight
Cite this Entry
“Oversight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oversight. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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