oversight

[oh-ver-sahyt]

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

oversight

/ ˈəʊvəˌsaɪt /

noun

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

2. supervision

Word History and Origins

Origin of oversight¹

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

Example Sentences

To learn that this is Finley’s first L.A. show, a city he’s from, and where he and his family have such deep artistic roots and an imprint, feels like some cosmic oversight.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Such freedom from oversight also came with a lack of access to Nothomb’s childhood photographs or any other archival materials directly from her.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And that’s why I think it’s so important that Congress get the unredacted report because it’s Congress’s constitutional duty to have oversight responsibility.

Read more on Salon

Some council members are looking to reassert their authority over homeless services, by rescinding the emergency declaration and regaining oversight over homeless spending.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They also said there should be an independent oversight, not appointed by the Education Authority and agreed by all, to work with the interim board of governors.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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