worst oversight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worst oversight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant mistake or failure to notice something important, often in a critical context. Example: "The decision to ignore the safety protocols was the worst oversight in the company's history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the same time, there is an acceptance at Old Trafford that the previous regime ought to have done more to keep Pogba and that the player's subsequent development makes it one of the worst oversights of the Ferguson era.

The Guardian - Sport

Readers React To steal from Winston Churchill, government regulation is the worst form of oversight, except for all others.

The New York Times

The worst violation was an oversight in updating staff members' fingerprints.

The New York Times

But they say that the government also needs to expand the scope of its oversight because the worst excesses that led to the crisis began and flourished at nonbank financial institutions that were not subject to federal regulation.

The New York Times

The president of the territory's senate likens federal oversight to "the worst colonial subjugations" and The Post editorial board worries about "the legitimate prerogatives of the island's legislature". But what are the proper prerogatives of a mendicant legislature avidly seeking maximum leeway to repudiate debts?

The Washington Post

At a time when many judge that "British citizens who have joined terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq pose a threat to the UK" and the United Nations is calling for "increased sharing of information for the purpose of identifying foreign terrorist fighters", to ignore the banking sector as a partner in combating this threat seems at best a curious oversight and at worst a national security weakness.

BBC

States would still face federal oversight for the worst-performing 5 percent of schools, as well as for the 5 percent of schools in each state with the widest achievement gap between minority and white students.

The New York Times

Criticism of the aid programs comes from the belief that much of the money is going to the worst Bosnian Serb leaders, either through oversight, or so that they will not obstruct the aid that might help moderate leaders.

The New York Times

The central bank plays a key role in guiding the world's largest economy and has taken on new oversight responsibilities following the worst U.S. financial crisis since the Great Depression.

Huffington Post

I guess I come to expect the worst of some Guardian journalists, but an oversight like that would have been amazing even for them".

The Guardian

"It is probably one of the weakest oversight positions at one of the worst possible times".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "worst oversight", ensure the context clearly establishes what was overlooked and why it was particularly damaging or significant.

Common error

Avoid using "worst oversight" for minor errors or simple mistakes. Reserve it for situations where the oversight had substantial negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worst oversight" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific instance of negligence or failure to observe something important. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a significant mistake or failure to notice something important.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worst oversight" describes a particularly damaging failure to notice or address something important. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While the phrase is relatively rare, it is effective for expressing strong criticism or concern about significant errors. When using "worst oversight", ensure the context highlights the overlooked element and the severity of its impact. Alternative phrases like "gravest error" or "biggest blunder" can provide similar emphasis depending on the specific nuance desired. The phrase is most frequently found in news media, formal business, and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gravest error

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential consequences of the mistake.

biggest blunder

Highlights the magnitude and clumsiness of the mistake.

most critical mistake

Focuses on the importance and potential impact of the error.

major failing

Indicates a significant deficiency or shortcoming.

supreme failure

Highlights the complete lack of success or accomplishment.

most damaging negligence

Emphasizes the harm caused by the lack of proper care or attention.

egregious lapse

Highlights the conspicuous or outrageous nature of the failure.

greatest dereliction

Suggests a serious abandonment of duty or responsibility.

unforgivable slip

Focuses on the severity and the difficulty of excusing the error.

catastrophic failure to supervise

Highlights the disastrous consequences of inadequate management and oversight.

FAQs

How to use "worst oversight" in a sentence?

You can use "worst oversight" to describe a significant error or failure to notice something important, often with critical consequences. For example, "Ignoring the safety protocols was the company's worst oversight."

What can I say instead of "worst oversight"?

You can use alternatives like "gravest error", "biggest blunder", or "most critical mistake" depending on the context.

What are the implications of a "worst oversight"?

A "worst oversight" implies severe negative consequences, potentially including financial losses, reputational damage, legal issues, or even safety hazards. It suggests a significant failure in planning, execution, or supervision.

How does "worst oversight" differ from a simple mistake?

While a mistake can be any error, the "worst oversight" specifically denotes a failure to notice or address something vital, leading to disproportionately negative outcomes. It suggests a lack of due diligence or foresight.