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

Starship’s ongoing woes are now a key driver of delays for the launch of Artemis III, which NASA recently announced has slipped to no earlier than 2028. —Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 9 Feb. 2026

The ongoing financial pressures have forced the Board to consider school closures to help balance the budget. —Alexandra Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026

But the library’s intelligence didn’t depend on Tyrannio or Cicero’s ongoing presence. —Big Think, 9 Feb. 2026

Police did not release any other information about Gurrola or the shooting, citing the ongoing investigation. —Michelle Cruz, AZCentral.com, 9 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