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

With the lack of oversight on private firearm sales, dealers may not adhere to age requirements. —The Arizona Republic, 22 Apr. 2024

But a police oversight board without investigative powers is largely ineffective, said Ajenai Clemmons, an assistant professor of public policy in the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. —Maria Cramer, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2024

In New York and Chicago, those inquiries are handled by civilian oversight boards, rather than internally by the department, as in Detroit. —Detroit Free Press, 21 Apr. 2024

The Association recently petitioned the Holy See to be entrusted with direct oversight and responsibility for the governance of the Arlington monastery, according to Olson’s statement. —Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2024

The investigation revealed systemic abuse and unsafe conditions and, as a result, they were put under federal oversight for six years. —Linsey Davis, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2024

Newsom, widely thought to have political ambitions beyond the governor’s office, pointed to the results as evidence of the need for more accountability and oversight of local homelessness programs. —Ethan Varian, The Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2024

After reviewing them, Bucher said the state Legislature should provide clear guidance on the issue, for regulatory oversight and for law enforcement. —John Diedrich, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | Ashley Okwuosa, The Examination | Amy Yurkanin, Al.com, Journal Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2024

The Orellana-Peralta family has a pending civil lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles, alleging that failures in training and oversight contributed to the deadly outcome. —Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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