Does oversight mean mistake?
Asked by: Vernice Lang | Last update: January 21, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (19 votes)
oversight noun (MISTAKE) a mistake made because of a failure to notice something: They claimed it was simply (an) oversight.
What does it mean to oversight something?
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. supervision; watchful care: a person responsible for the oversight of the organization.
Is oversight a negative word?
Oversight can mean attending to something, and also the opposite. Until recently "mistake" was probably the meaning in general use. But one might say that "supervision" is the obvious and rational meaning of oversight, as well as being a straight Latin translation.
What is a synonym for oversight mistake?
Synonyms of 'oversight' in American English
oversight. (noun) in the sense of mistake. mistake. blunder. carelessness.
What does oversight mean in a job?
Oversight is composed of “over,” meaning above, and “sight,” meaning looking, but not touching. Indeed, those in charge of oversight functions are asked to look at a process, program, or project from above, but not to get involved in its day-to-day management.
Learn English Words by Listening - OVERSIGHT - Meaning, Vocabulary With Pictures and Subtitles
Is oversight the same as mistake?
oversight noun (MISTAKE)
a mistake made because of a failure to notice something: They claimed it was simply (an) oversight.
What is the difference between oversight and micromanagement?
Accountability is wrapped up entirely in expectations — the results you are expected to produce. On the other hand, micromanagement is oversight by hovering over the entire process. The key word is hovering because, of course, it's important to keep the pulse of a project and ensure what needs to get done gets done.
How do you professionally say a mistake?
I sincerely apologize for (a brief description of the incident or error). I understand that this has (describe potential impact on work/team/project). Moving forward, I will (a brief description of preventive measures or process improvements). I value our professional relationship and your trust in me.
Is it oversight or blunder?
oversight noun (MISTAKE)
errorHe admitted that he'd made an error. blunderThe company was struggling after a series of financial blunders.
What is a professional way to say mistake?
Some common synonyms of mistake are blunder, error, lapse, and slip. While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," mistake implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error.
Why does oversight have two meanings?
To have oversight over something means you get to see all of it, but if you commit an oversight, it means you did not see it or you made an error that you should have seen. It's usually there's a sense that is something you should have been taken care of that you didn't and you let it slip. You committed an oversight.
What is the difference between oversight and overlook?
What Is Their Main Difference? Both are verbs. 'Overlook' indicates ignoring something/someone. 'Oversee', on the other hand, refers to controlling and watching over some people/things.
What is unfortunate oversight?
An oversight is a mistake you make when you're not paying full attention. Your failure to add the sugar to the cookies was an unfortunate oversight — you were so engrossed in texting that you forgot it. Oversights are not intentional mistakes. Usually they're just the result of inattention.
What is the purpose of oversight?
Oversight is the essential function through which legislators determine whether current laws and appropriations are achieving intended results.
What is the difference between oversight and oversee?
The word “oversight” can also be used to mean “supervision.” It is the noun form of the verb “oversee,” which means “to supervise”: “A new government agency was created to supervise public schools. Hopefully this oversight will help improve the country's educational system.
What is a word for a bad mistake?
aberration blunder confusion fault gaffe inaccuracy lapse miscalculation misconception misstep omission oversight snafu. Strong matches.
What is oversight synonym?
- control.
- handling.
- inspection.
- maintenance.
- management.
- surveillance.
What is a genuine oversight?
an omission or mistake, esp one made through failure to notice something.
How do you apologize for oversight?
Sample Professional Apology Email
I am writing to apologize for [specific mistake]. I take full responsibility for this oversight and understand its impact on [the project/our work]. To rectify this, I have [action taken]. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to resolve this issue.
How do you say mistake in a nice way?
You can refer to the mistake as a glitch or slip-up. The other possibility is not to draw attention to who made the mistake, but rather just focus on what needs to be done to correct it, by referring to the mistake as a bump, hiccup, hurdle, or challenge.
What do apologies for the oversight mean?
We all make mistakes. It's part of being human. But when we do, how we acknowledge and respond to those mistakes can have a significant impact on our relationships and our overall well-being. "Apologies for the oversight" is a phrase often used to express regret for a missed detail or a lapse in judgment.
What is oversight at work?
Oversight involves taking responsibility for the operation, implementation, and/or outcome of a process, program, organization or institution, or effort. An oversight mechanism is the system or process used to maintain a watchful eye.
What is toxic micromanagement?
Micromanagement is toxic because it erodes your team's trust. It stifles creativity and can lead to feelings of disempowerment for employees who feel that no matter what they do, their every action is scrutinized.
What is the difference between oversight and supervise?
Oversight is considered much less intrusive than supervision and might be viewed as surveillance, normally conducted at a distance, while supervision involves close, first-hand, observation and analysis.