ongoing

adjective

on·​go·​ing ˈȯn-ˌgō-iŋ How to pronounce ongoing (audio)
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 How to pronounce ongoing (audio)
ˈän-
-ˌgȯ(-)iŋ-
noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Washington, the state has been forced to issue a drought declaration for an unprecedented third year in a row due to the ongoing dryness, according to a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Doyle Rice, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025 Young committed to trying to help the deployment strengthen the community without distracting from ongoing law enforcement efforts. Arkansas Online, 13 Sep. 2025 Both his African heritage and his new exploration of the verisimilitudes and vagaries of New York City life paint the ongoing development of The Watchman, sometimes featured as the key figure as in the monumental portrait, AH! Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025 Full extent of impact is unknown PEPFAR reporting data has been publicly unavailable for months, meaning there’s little clarity on the program’s ongoing activities. Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ongoing

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ongoing was in 1877

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ongoing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ongoing. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

ongoing

adjective
on·​go·​ing ˈȯn-ˌgō-iŋ How to pronounce ongoing (audio)
ˈän-
: being in progress or movement

More from Merriam-Webster on ongoing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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