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 The list of issues from which she is recused includes utility power-generation and transmission initiatives, PSC rule making, grant programs and oversight of energy efficiency programs. Karl Ebert, Journal Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2024 In health care, systemic resilience can only be achieved through a comprehensive approach to risk management and the empowering of dedicated and actionable regulatory oversight. Jonathan Slotkin and David Vawdrey, STAT, 14 Mar. 2024 And in recent years, state lawmakers have leaned toward relaxing — rather than strengthening — oversight of toxic chemicals and other potential environmental hazards. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 13 Mar. 2024 However, Parker has repeatedly pressed the review board to assert more oversight related to the persistent problem of people dying in county jails and has moved to expand the board’s authority to include oversight of jail medical staff to help reduce the number of deaths behind bars. Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2024 Government and Nonprofit Sector: Working in governmental or nonprofit organizations, focusing on financial oversight, public accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting to support public and community goals. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 Alicia Reece has no direct oversight of Oak View Group, the company that runs the convention center. The Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2024 The report was drafted by an independent oversight group made up of mainly Black experts from various fields recruited to advise the church’s investment management group on the new fund. Aj Willingham, CNN, 5 Mar. 2024 The latest posts, about Uganda's National Assembly, purport to reveal details about abuse of public resources, nepotism in staff recruitment and even collusion between civil servants and lawmakers on oversight committees. Rodney Muhumuza, Quartz, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oversight.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near oversight

Cite this Entry

“Oversight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oversight. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!