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

Case in point, Luke Edward Hall’s ongoing Neptune’s Journey for Ginori 1735, characterized by cartoonish images and upbeat color palette. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

Amenities and experiences The resort is a premier venue for events like the annual Maui Jazz & Blues Festival and Kapalua Wine & Food Festival, along with the ongoing Kapalua Concert Series and Tales of the Kapa Moe Luau. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

The not-so-subtle dig comes after Kraft involved himself in the supporting lineup on Sheeran’s ongoing Loop Tour. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2026

Trump’s ties to the Ellisons was an ongoing point of interest in the saga of the $110 billion merger. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for ongoing

• blowing
• boing
• bowing
• crowing
• flowing
• glowing
• going
• growing
• hoeing
• knowing
• lowing
• rowing

Kids Definition

ongoing

adjective

on·​go·​ing ˈȯn-ˌgō-iŋ 

ˈän-

: being in progress or movement