a glaring oversight

USAGE SUMMARY

"a glaring oversight" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a mistake or a missed opportunity, especially when the mistake or missed opportunity is obvious or significant. For example, you might say: "It was a glaring oversight for them to forget to include such an important detail in their report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The lack of studies concerning the adverse effects of such a move are a glaring oversight.

The New York Times

So they never searched the South Salem house, a decision that some of Mrs. Durst's friends and relatives now view as a glaring oversight.

The New York Times

The decision to give Rush, the Canadian progressive-rock power trio, a berth in the hall rectifies what some in the music industry have considered a glaring oversight in past years.

The New York Times

Apple will at last address a glaring oversight with regard to its Health application and its usefulness to women: in iOS 9, the app will support the ability for women to track their reproductive health.

TechCrunch

The outstanding fast bowler, whose omission from the first Test is beginning to look like a glaring oversight, bowled centurion Ian Bell and Prior with successive balls and ended a brief cameo of 13 from Broad with a brutal bouncer that he gloved to gully.

BBC

But for a service that involves providing a blank slate for the sole purpose of letting users write people recommendations, not having some basic, automated moderation system in place to at least block profanity and other keywords is either a glaring oversight or an intentional (and callous) decision.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In a particularly glaring oversight, they fail to coordinate prison treatment programs with those offered in the communities to which the inmates will return.

The New York Times

Sarah seems like a very viable candidate – smart, quick-thinking, unabsurd, good talker – but I could also see her being the one who is completely blown apart during the interviews by some sort of catastrophic secret from her past or a massive glaring oversight in her business model.

Vice

"This would have been an incredibly glaring oversight, like forgetting to put doors on an elevator," iOS security expert Jonathan Zdziarski told the MIT Technology Review.

TechCrunch

Hangouts is an especially glaring oversight because of how key messaging is to the overall communication experience on mobile devices, and because the app seems ripe for a design that takes advantage of more screen real estate.

TechCrunch

The operation had gone well; but years later the doctor's glaring oversight continued to haunt the rest of us.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a glaring oversight" when you want to emphasize that the mistake or omission was easily noticeable and should have been avoided. It is particularly effective in highlighting failures in planning, execution, or attention to detail.

Common error

Avoid using "glaring" repeatedly to describe different types of mistakes within the same piece of writing. This can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "obvious", "conspicuous", or "flagrant" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a glaring oversight" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes a noticeable and significant error or omission. It emphasizes the obviousness of the mistake.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a glaring oversight" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a noticeable and significant mistake or omission. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively highlights failures in planning or execution. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase carries a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the obviousness of the error and consider alternative expressions to avoid repetition. Remember, the goal is clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a conspicuous omission

Focuses on the act of omitting something noticeable.

a blatant mistake

Emphasizes the obvious and inexcusable nature of the error.

a flagrant error

Highlights the shocking and unacceptable nature of the error.

a major lapse

Implies a temporary failure in judgment or attention.

a critical flaw

Points out a significant weakness that undermines the whole.

a serious neglect

Indicates a failure to care for or attend to something important.

a grave dereliction

Implies a severe failure to fulfill a duty or responsibility.

a striking inadvertence

Emphasizes the unintentional yet noticeable nature of the error.

a palpable blunder

Suggests a clumsy and easily perceived mistake.

an egregious shortcoming

Highlights a remarkably bad deficiency or failing.

FAQs

How can I use "a glaring oversight" in a sentence?

You can use "a glaring oversight" to point out a significant and obvious mistake or omission. For example: "The lack of safety measures was "a glaring oversight" that needed immediate correction."

What can I say instead of "a glaring oversight"?

You can use alternatives like "a conspicuous omission", "a blatant mistake", or "a flagrant error" depending on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a glaring overlook" instead of "a glaring oversight"?

While "overlook" can sometimes be used similarly to "oversight", ""a glaring oversight"" is the more common and accepted phrasing to describe a noticeable mistake or omission. "Overlook" generally refers to failing to notice something, whereas "oversight" implies a failure to include or consider something important.

What's the difference between "a glaring error" and "a glaring oversight"?

"A glaring error" refers to an obvious mistake, while ""a glaring oversight"" specifically refers to an obvious omission or something that should have been included or considered but was not.