oversight

noun

over·​sight ˈō-vər-ˌsīt How to pronounce oversight (audio)
1
a
: watchful and responsible care
you to whom oversight of the University is entrustedN. 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 intentionG. B. Shaw
The error was a simple oversight.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Similarly, regulatory programs that ensure colleges and universities comply with federal standards may be weakened, potentially leading to a lack of oversight in areas like campus safety or fair treatment of students. Scott White, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 Changes may soon be coming to North Carolina's booming hemp industry, which has thrived in recent years thanks to the state's lack of restrictions, oversight and safety standards for intoxicating weed-like products. Lucille Sherman, Axios, 12 Mar. 2025 As part of his work advising agencies to reduce spending and cut staff, Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency have promised transparency and increased oversight over how taxpayer dollars are going out the door. Maryalice Parks, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2025 Persistent complaints and concerns about oversight within COPA, the agency’s workplace culture, the quality of investigations, as well as Kersten’s own public statements and appearances were chief among the reasons highlighted by CCPSA. Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oversight

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of oversight was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Oversight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oversight. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

oversight

noun
over·​sight -ˌsīt How to pronounce oversight (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on oversight

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