oversight

oversight — noun

1. an error that happens when you miss something or forget one needed step

1.nounC1
Definition

an error that happens when you miss something or forget one needed step

Example

The missing date on the form was a simple oversight.

pattern: a simple oversight

By oversight, Nina left one page out of the job application.

phrase: by oversight

Common collocations
  • simple oversight
  • minor oversight
  • clerical oversight
  • by oversight
  • through oversight
Synonyms
  • mistake

    the broad everyday word for something done wrongly

  • error

    slightly more formal and common for facts, numbers, or results

  • omission

    stresses that something necessary was left out

  • slip

    informal and often used for a small momentary mistake

Grammar Patterns

an oversight

by oversight

through oversight

Usage Note

Often appears with words like simple, minor, or clerical, and with phrases such as by oversight. Distinguish it from noun/2, which is about being in charge and checking work.

Common Mistakes

The manager hid the numbers as an oversight.
The manager hid the numbers on purpose.
'oversight' describes an accidental mistake, not a deliberate act.

2. the duty of watching how work is done and checking that it is done properly

2.nounC1
Definition

the duty of watching how work is done and checking that it is done properly

Example

The finance team works under the oversight of the school board.

pattern: under the oversight of

Dr. Chen has oversight of all safety checks at the factory.

pattern: have oversight of

Common collocations
  • government oversight
  • regulatory oversight
  • financial oversight
  • parental oversight
  • oversight of operations
Synonyms
  • supervision

    the closest general word for watching work and guiding it

  • monitoring

    focuses more on observing closely, often with less authority

  • management

    broader and can include planning and decision-making beyond checking

  • control

    stronger and suggests greater power to direct outcomes

Antonyms
  • neglect

    suggests a failure to give the needed care or supervision

Grammar Patterns

have oversight of something

under the oversight of somebody

provide oversight for something

Usage Note

Usually uncountable and often followed by of or under. It is common in business, government, and legal contexts where someone has continuing responsibility, not just one quick check.

Common Mistakes

The inspector gave oversight to the kitchen yesterday.
The inspector inspected the kitchen yesterday.
'oversight' means ongoing supervision, not one visit or check.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

For the mistake sense, oversight usually points to a small problem caused by not noticing something or forgetting a step. Mistake is the broad everyday word and can describe almost any wrong action. Error is a little more formal and is common for numbers, facts, or computer results. Omission focuses on something that was left out, such as a missing name or page. Slip is informal and often suggests a brief moment of carelessness. Use oversight when you want to show that the problem was accidental and often understandable. Compare: Leaving one page out of the form was an oversight. A wrong total in the report was an error.

oversight ↗mistake ↗error ↗omission ↗slip ↗

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

Oversight has been in English since the 1400s. It was formed from over and sight, and it first referred to careful watching or supervision. Soon after, it also developed the opposite idea of missing something while passing over it, which led to the modern 'mistake' sense. That history explains why one word can mean both supervision and an accidental failure to notice.