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

In apparent response to the GOP wins, small-cap stocks, along with financial and traditional energy sectors — including oil, gas and coal — performed particularly well following the election and may continue to benefit from anticipated new policies, such as corporate tax cuts, reduced regulatory oversight for financial institutions and fewer environmental restrictions on fossil fuel production.

From Salon

That kept them out of the oversight of city and county agencies whose officials were complicit in the deportations.

From Los Angeles Times

The health secretary stressed that part one of the legislation - which sets up the national oversight body - had not been dropped.

From BBC

The trusts come together every fortnight as part of a group, known as the resettlement oversight group, to discuss placements.

From BBC

Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents NHS trusts, said health services were already subject a lot of oversight and regulation - and the prospect of "more league tables" would concern health leaders.

From BBC

Related Words

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