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

While many are celebrating Cena’s farewell, his former rival, David Otunga, shared his thoughts on the ongoing retirement tour with Ariel Helwani on The Ariel Helwani Show. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2025

In Brazil and elsewhere, Brito and her colleagues are exploring this disconnect between the official end of a disaster and the ongoing reality for those at the epicenter of the hardship. —Ari Daniel, NPR, 29 Nov. 2025

Erta Ale volcano in the Afar region, known for decades of continuous volcanic activity that has created an ongoing lava lake, saw reports of a dense black cloud rising from the volcano in mid-July 2025. —Julian Dossett, Space.com, 29 Nov. 2025

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are pending. —Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 29 Nov. 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