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

Example Sentences

The former congresswoman, who gained fame for her aggressive questioning of chief executives and Trump administration officials while in Congress, also pointed to her longtime focus on oversight.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

In a unanimous opinion issued Thursday, justices from the state’s first appellate district found that an oversight body in Sonoma County is legally authorized to subpoena the county sheriff’s office while probing whistleblower inquiries.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

In contrast to the pre-2008 period, large U.S. banks now are operating from a position of strength, supported by more than a decade of regulatory reform and oversight.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

They’re overzealous because the law is very clear that oversight of these markets is the exclusive province of the federal government.

From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026

Supporters of the status quo argue that passing new, tissue-specific legislation is unnecessary, and that the current oversight practices are enough.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot

Related Words

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