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

• management
• supervision
• administration
• control
• operation
• 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

But without enforceable safeguards, independent oversight, and a diversified economic strategy, those promises rarely match the hype. —Marty Small Sr, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2025

Amanda Maes has joined Blumhouse as their Executive Vice President, Marketing. Maes will report to Karen Barragan, Chief Marketing Officer. Maes will lead the company’s brand evolution, with oversight across consumer products, live experiences, partnerships, and other key brand initiatives. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2025

Reuters reported last month that the CFTC had fired two dozen workers from its enforcement, market oversight, administration and data divisions. —Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Well, people have always talked about police misconduct, police abuse, police oversight. —Michel Martin, NPR, 13 Aug. 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