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

Marko Djurica | Reuters For athletes at the ongoing 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, a podium finish can mean more than glory and a medal. —Lee Ying Shan,sydney Goh, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026

The kidnappers were part of an ongoing abduction ring that had netted around $65 million. —David Faris, TheWeek, 16 Feb. 2026

Structural challenges—including constraints in yarn supply, port bottlenecks, rising labor costs and ongoing wage negotiations will require sustained and coordinated effort. —Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 16 Feb. 2026

While gas itself is common and usually harmless, ongoing bloating or discomfort may be a sign your gut needs more time to adjust. —Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 16 Feb. 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