Oversight
/ˈoʊvərsaɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsSupervision or management of something; a failure to notice something.
/ˈoʊvərsaɪt/
Supervision; management; care.
The project required constant oversight to ensure its success.
💡 Simply: Think of it like being in charge of something, or making sure something is done right. It can also mean missing something important.
👶 For kids: It's like when a grown-up watches over something to make sure it's okay, like watching a child or a project.
More Examples
The government agency has a responsibility to provide oversight of financial institutions.
Due to my oversight, I forgot to include the client's name in the contract.
How It's Used
"The company's financial oversight was lacking, leading to significant losses."
"Congressional oversight of the executive branch is crucial for accountability."
An unintentional omission or mistake.
/ˈoʊvərsaɪt/
An omission or error due to carelessness or failure to notice.
There was an unfortunate oversight in the paperwork.
💡 Simply: It’s when you accidentally miss something important, like forgetting to bring your lunch.
👶 For kids: It's like when you forget to do something by mistake.
More Examples
The mistake was due to an oversight.
The missing file was an oversight on my part.
How It's Used
"Due to an oversight, the email was never sent."
"There was an oversight in the contract that needed to be corrected."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
under the oversight of
Under the supervision or management of someone or something.
"The project was completed under the oversight of an experienced manager."
by oversight
Through an error or omission; accidentally.
"The email was not sent by oversight."
From Middle English *oversighte*, from over- + sighte, meaning 'to look over' or 'supervision'.
Historically used to indicate a wide range of supervision functions, and also errors or omissions.
Memory tip
Imagine an eagle (over) with good sight (sight) constantly watching over. Or a quick review that is done.
Word Origin
"to look over; to supervise"