oversight

o-ver-sight · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An unintentional failure to notice or do something; a mistake caused by carelessness.

  2. 2.

    The action of overseeing something; supervision or watchful care.

Forms

plural: oversights

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    congressional oversight — supervision of the executive branch by Congress
  • •
    regulatory oversight — supervision by a regulatory body

Related words

See also: omission, overlook, supervision
Synonyms: mistake, omission, supervision

Etymology

From English over + sight. The two meanings ("failure to see" and "watching over") developed from different interpretations of "oversee."