Oversight: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when discussing the responsibility of watching and directing a process to ensure it is done correctly, often in a managerial or regulatory context.

• The project was completed under the careful oversight of the senior manager.
• Government oversight is necessary to prevent corporate fraud.

Describes the action of overseeing people or activities, ensuring tasks are completed properly, often in a workplace or educational setting.

• The new employees are still under supervision during their training period.
• Supervision is necessary to ensure that all safety protocols are followed.

Indicates authority over something or someone, often implying the power to make decisions and enforce rules.

• She took control of the situation to prevent further chaos.
• The company maintains strict control over its production process.

Refers to the continuous observation and checking of a process or situation to ensure it operates correctly, often in a technical or medical context.

• The patient requires constant monitoring after the surgery.
• We are continuously monitoring the system for any signs of malfunction.

See above for the context and examples.

This word is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe something done incorrectly. It is more informal than 'error' and can be used for both minor and major issues.

• I made a mistake in my homework.
• It was a mistake to trust him.

Use this in both formal and informal situations to describe a mistake or something incorrect. It can refer to a wide range of issues, from simple typos to major faults.

• There was an error in the calculation.
• The software update fixed several errors.

Should be used when referring to a failure to care for something or someone properly. It often carries a negative connotation and implies a sense of irresponsibility.

• The garden showed signs of neglect.
• He faced charges of child neglect.