ongoing

adjective

on·​go·​ing ˈȯn-ˌgō-iŋ 

ˈän-,

-ˌgȯ(-)iŋ

1

a

: being actually in process

ongoing research

b

: continuing

The investigation is ongoing.

2

: continuously moving forward : growing

the long ongoing history of medicine

ongoingness

ˈȯn-ˌgō-iŋ-nəs 

ˈän-

-ˌgȯ(-)iŋ-

noun

Synonyms

• operating
• proceeding
• continuing

Examples of ongoing in a Sentence

the ongoing events at the school

ongoing efforts to find a cure for the disease

There is an ongoing debate over the issue.

Recent Examples on the Web

Its exhibition at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum is also ongoing. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2025

Information on layoffs is critical to understanding forces in the labor market and grasp the ongoing movement of employment. —Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Internal conversations have been ongoing for members throughout recent weeks in a bid to figure out the way forward. —Al Weaver, The Hill, 28 Aug. 2025

Franchise owners benefit from ongoing training, access to industry experts, and an annual conference designed to share best practices and celebrate growth. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for ongoing

• bestowing
• churchgoing
• elbowing
• fallowing
• farrowing
• foregoing
• forgoing
• outflowing
• outgoing
• outgrowing
• seagoing
• tiptoeing

Kids Definition

ongoing

adjective

on·​go·​ing ˈȯn-ˌgō-iŋ 

ˈän-

: being in progress or movement