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

French senior officials, speaking anonymously on the ongoing talks, said the Netherlands, Italy and Greece had shown interest and that Spain might be involved in some way. —Sam McNeil, Arkansas Online, 17 Mar. 2026

Their presence reflects the ongoing exchange between the Chinese and Korean fashion industries, particularly among younger consumers who closely follow both markets. —Yiling Pan, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026

The movie chronicles Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy's rise to prominence and subsequently leading his country through Russia's ongoing military assault. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026

While Mullin is expected to be grilled by Democrats over ongoing challenges at DHS, he is ultimately expected to swiftly sail to confirmation. —Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 16 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