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

Once again bringing together d’Adda’s rare and precious fabrics with Louboutin’s iconic silhouettes, the collection mirrors the designers’ ongoing creative exchange. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 11 June 2026

Authorities emphasized that efforts to combat drug trafficking and gang activity remain ongoing in the region. —Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026

Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty told Variety during Xbox Games Showcase, which took place on Sunday amid the ongoing Game Fest events. —Jennifer Maas, Variety, 11 June 2026

This is because Ukraine’s drones are constantly being used to fight against Russia’s ongoing invasion. —Mark Temnycky, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for ongoing

• blowing
• boing
• bowing
• crowing
• flowing
• glowing
• going
• growing
• hoeing
• knowing
• lowing
• rowing

Kids Definition

ongoing

adjective

on·​go·​ing ˈȯn-ˌgō-iŋ 

ˈän-

: being in progress or movement