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 of ongoing

• 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

The fifth season of Mormon Wives has currently paused production after several members of the cast refused to work with Paul amid two ongoing domestic violence cases involving her and Mortensen, sources confirmed to PEOPLE in March. —Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026

Two Pakistani officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the matter with the media, said that the first talks were part of an ongoing diplomatic process rather than a one-off effort. —ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026

The investigations are ongoing. —S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026

Flood watches are in effect for northern parts of Wisconsin and Michigan where multiple rounds of rainfall this week could aggravate ongoing river flooding and send more rivers surging. —Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2026

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