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

At the same time, groups like the nonpartisan Latino Victory Project, which focuses on developing Hispanic political leadership, said this current moment should not distract from the still-ongoing civil rights battles. —ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026

The two leaders discussed progress made during ongoing operations to eliminate Iran’s ability to attack other countries, Hawkins said in a statement. —Michael Loria, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026

Supporters said the bill is intended to address ongoing concerns about insurance availability following destructive wildfires across the region. —City News Service, Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026

Or the planner may work on an ongoing hourly fee, with an estimate of total costs. —Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 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