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

In addition, two key bridges connecting the northern and southern part of Odesa region have also been hit, with work ongoing to repair the damage, according to Oleh Kiper, head of Odesa regional military administration. —Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 20 Dec. 2025

With the Heat’s ongoing injury issues helping to lead to losses in six of its last seven games after a 14-7 start to the season, those questions haven’t stopped. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 20 Dec. 2025

Baltimore's ongoing opioid epidemic is a priority for city leaders. —Cbs Baltimore Staff, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2025

Those visits inspired his long-term and ongoing commitment to the cause that has been a centerpiece of William's public life. —Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025

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