A regrettable oversight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A regrettable oversight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge a mistake or error that has occurred, often in a formal or professional context. Example: "We apologize for the confusion caused by a regrettable oversight in our previous communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"It was a regrettable oversight by our outside production company," a spokeswoman said.

The New Yorker

He was not of those – a large and influential band – who regard the omission from the beatitudes of the maxim "Blessed are the discreet" as a regrettable oversight.

The Guardian

How neat, and how sweet — except that it's somewhere between a regrettable oversight and major gaffe to have an attention-getting celebration for yourself just two days before the tenth anniversary of September 11th.

The New Yorker

It was a regrettable oversight.

Forbes

"This is a regrettable oversight given the recent explosion in the number of global health partnerships," Jenkins said.

Huffington Post

Los Angeles City Councilman Joel Wachs is moving to remedy a regrettable oversight in the city's funding of the arts.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

On June 11, Paul Clark, a British citizen, had forgotten his computer bag on the floor of a taxi, an especially regrettable oversight since along with his laptop the satchel held about $2,400 in cash.

The New York Times

"Yes, that was a regrettable lapse in security".

The Guardian

The bank "underplayed to us the nature and extent of their role," said the MPs, and Michael Sherwood was obliged to apologise for the "highly regrettable oversight" of failing to reveal, until the 11th hour, that Goldman had been approached to provide a £40m loan to facilitate the transaction.

The Guardian

(Taylor et al 2006 ) We thank Reviewer 3 for pointing out this regrettable oversight.

eLife

But rather than being a regrettable by-product of internet commerce and in need of strict oversight, might they instead be an integral part of what makes it so prone to rapid growth and life-improving innovation not a bug, as the phrase has it, but a feature?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "A regrettable oversight" to acknowledge errors or omissions in formal communications, reports, or public statements, especially when expressing accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "A regrettable oversight" in casual conversations or informal settings. Opt for simpler, more direct language like "My bad" or "I missed that" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A regrettable oversight" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or an appositive. It serves to identify and characterize a specific error or omission as being regrettable. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is both correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "A regrettable oversight" functions as a noun phrase used to acknowledge and express regret for a mistake or omission, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and suitable for formal and professional contexts, conveying responsibility and a commitment to correction. While relatively uncommon, its usage spans across news, science, and business domains. Alternative phrases include "an unfortunate mistake" and "a lamentable error", which offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone. When using the phrase, it's essential to specify the oversight and its consequences to avoid ambiguity and maintain a professional tone. When in doubt, simpler language will serve better for informal conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A regrettable mistake

Synonymous, simply using "mistake" instead of "oversight".

An unfortunate error

This alternative focuses on the negative outcome of the mistake.

An unfortunate mistake

Highlights the error as a source of bad luck or adversity.

A lamentable error

Emphasizes the regrettable nature of the error.

A deplorable lapse

Indicates a serious failure or decline in standards.

A disappointing omission

Focuses on the act of leaving something out.

A serious blunder

Highlights the gravity and impact of the mistake.

An inexcusable error

Points to the lack of justification or reason for the mistake.

An unfortunate slip-up

An informal way to describe a minor mistake.

A careless omission

Suggests the oversight resulted from a lack of attention or diligence.

FAQs

How can I use "A regrettable oversight" in a sentence?

You can use "A regrettable oversight" to acknowledge a mistake or error. For example, "The missing data was "a regrettable oversight" on our part, and we are taking steps to correct it."

What are some alternatives to "A regrettable oversight"?

Alternatives include "an unfortunate mistake", "a lamentable error", or "an unfortunate slip-up", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "regrettable oversight" formal?

Yes, "regrettable oversight" is generally considered formal. It's suitable for professional or official communications where you need to acknowledge an error with a tone of responsibility and regret. In informal settings, simpler phrases are often more appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "A regrettable oversight"?

It's appropriate to use "A regrettable oversight" when you need to acknowledge an error or omission, especially in formal or professional settings. It conveys a sense of responsibility and regret for the mistake. Use it when you want to emphasize that the error was unintentional and that steps are being taken to rectify it.