ongoing

play

adjective on·go·ing \ ˈȯn-ˌgō-iŋ , ˈän- , -ˌgȯ(-)iŋ \

Definition of ongoing

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

play \ˈȯn-ˌgō-iŋ-nəs, ˈän-, -ˌgȯ(-)iŋ-\ noun

See ongoing defined for English-language learners

See ongoing defined for kids

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 of ongoing from the Web

A posted sign tells of an ongoing battle with milfoil, filamentous algae mats, Hornwort and toxic blue-green algae blooms.

— william robert ferrer, The Seattle Times, "A Hike and a Happy Hour: See Heart Lake and an Anacortes view, then grab a brew," 30 Aug. 2017
An investigation is ongoing, the Sheriff’s Office said.

— staff report, The Aegis, "Parkville man charged in Harford County with solicitation of a minor," 28 Aug. 2017
The American businessmen, including Trump adviser Peter Thiel, invested $7 million in the ongoing vaccine research, according to the U.S. company behind it.

— marisa taylor, Kaiser Health News, "Offshore Human Testing Of Herpes Vaccine Stokes Debate Over U.S. Safety Rules," 28 Aug. 2017
Catastrophic flood events like the next few days of Hurricane Harvey, which will create problems that none of the ongoing flood-insurance reforms can fix.

— vann r. newkirk ii, The Atlantic, "How Hurricane Harvey Could Cause Long-Term Devastation," 26 Aug. 2017
The night before, after posing for pictures in a dark blazer, Curry talked to Bloomberg Businessweek about his ongoing education in the Valley.

— ira boudway, Bloomberg.com, "The New Off-Court Play for NBA Stars Is Startup Equity," 24 Aug. 2017
Maybe this is all ancient history, although Marshall's bigotry has been referenced throughout the ongoing debate about the team's name.

— dan steinberg, chicagotribune.com, "As Red Sox confront their former owner's racist legacy, the Redskins should follow," 21 Aug. 2017
But his life of luxury could be imperiled by ongoing, intensifying investigations.

— emily l. mahoney and malu gaspar emahoney@miamiherald.com, miamiherald, "Did a rich Miamian help rig the Olympic site selection? Investigators want to know.," 17 Aug. 2017
Trump Jr., Kushner, and Manafort, among others, have since become central players in the ongoing Justice Department investigation into Russia’s interference in the presidential election.

— abigail tracy, The Hive, "Another Piece of the Trump-Russia Puzzle Falls into Place," 15 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ongoing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of ongoing

1877

ongoing Synonyms

Synonyms

afoot, proceeding

Antonyms

arrested, ended, halted, stalled, stopped

Related Words

functioning, happening, operating, working; afloat, alive, going; advancing, continuing, gaining

Near Antonyms

receding, regressing, retrogressing

ONGOING Defined for English Language Learners

ongoing

play

adjective

Definition of ongoing for English Language Learners

: continuing to exist, happen, or progress : continuing without reaching an end

ONGOING Defined for Kids

ongoing

play

adjective on·go·ing \ ˈȯn-ˌgō-iŋ , ˈän- \

Definition of ongoing for Students

:being in progress or movement

The investigation is ongoing.

Learn More about ongoing

See words that rhyme with ongoing Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ongoing Spanish Central: Translation of ongoing Nglish: Translation of ongoing for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ongoing for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up ongoing? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

ongoing

Definition of ongoing

ongoingness

Explore M-W

Examples of ongoing in a Sentence

Recent Examples of ongoing from the Web

First Known Use of ongoing

ongoing Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

ONGOING Defined for English Language Learners

ongoing

Definition of ongoing for English Language Learners

ONGOING Defined for Kids

ongoing

Definition of ongoing for Students

Learn More about ongoing

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

Trending: Ivanka: "An 'Otherwise' Incredible Day"

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes

Words of the Year: 1066