oversight

American  

[oh-ver-sahyt] / ˈoʊ vərˌsaɪt /

noun

1. an omission or error due to carelessness.

   My bank statement is full of oversights.

   Synonyms:

   slip, blunder, mistake

2. unintentional failure to notice or consider; lack of proper attention.

   Owing to my oversight, the letter was sent unsigned.

   Synonyms:

   inattention, neglect, lapse, slip, blunder, mistake

3. supervision; watchful care.

   a person responsible for the oversight of the organization.

   Synonyms:

   surveillance, control, direction, management

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oversight British  

/ ˈəʊvəˌsaɪt /

noun

1. an omission or mistake, esp one made through failure to notice something

2. supervision

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Etymology

Origin of oversight

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; over- + sight

Explanation

An oversight is a mistake you make when you're not paying full attention. Your failure to add the sugar to the cookies was an unfortunate oversight — you were so engrossed in texting that you forgot it. Oversights are not intentional mistakes. Usually they're just the result of inattention. If you make an oversight in your inspection of a nuclear power plant and it later goes into meltdown, you'll get fired. An inspector is supposed to pay attention. But if you forgot your cousin's birthday because you're busy taking care of Grandma, that's a forgivable oversight. Oversight is also the act of supervising something, like the construction of a dam, or a high school prom.

Example Sentences

He added that the case underscored the need revive Inglewood’s civilian police oversight commission, which was disbanded in recent years.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said traffic through the waterway during the two-week cease-fire will be under the oversight of Iran’s armed forces.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Nancy Mace, a Republican member of the committee, said the subpoena requires Bondi to appear and her no longer being attorney general does not "erase her obligation to testify and does not end Congressional oversight".

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

It said a task force involving the police, tourist board and aviation officials would "strengthen oversight and conduct regular audits", as well as to ensure guides and trekking agencies were licensed.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

The bedroom door is open now, and I regret the oversight.

From "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon

Related Words

• control
• handling
• inspection
• maintenance
• management
• surveillance