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oversight
noun
over·sight
ˈÅ?-vÉ™r-ËŒsÄ«t
1
a
: watchful and responsible care
you to whom oversight of the University is entrusted—N. 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 intention—G. B. Shaw
The error was a simple oversight.
Synonyms
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
Nonprofits are ripe for financial abuse, said Robert Nordlander, a former IRS special agent who spent two decades chasing tax evaders and money launderers – especially organizations like The County Buzz that have no internal controls, independent board or oversight.
—Chris Quintana, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
On top of this, Google is contending with antitrust cases accusing the company of monopolizing the search market, with potential remedies including a breakup, regulatory oversight, and restrictions on its businesses.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
But critics argue the lack of oversight opens the door for abuse.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC News, 11 Dec. 2024
The only way out of this mess is to make government oversight of those ripping off consumers effective, not to effectively eliminate it.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for oversight 
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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 24 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
oversight
noun
over·sight
-ˌsīt
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
Nglish: Translation of oversight for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of oversight for Arabic Speakers
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