ongoing

adjective

on·​go·​ing ˈȯn-ˌgō-iŋ How to pronounce ongoing (audio)
ˈän-
-ˌgȯ(-)iŋ
Synonyms of ongoingnext
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 How to pronounce ongoing (audio)
ˈän-
-ˌgȯ(-)iŋ-
noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Mass was celebrated entirely in Spanish and focused on prayer, reflection and solidarity amid ongoing uncertainty in Venezuela. Eva Andersen, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026 That same technology was used in the facade of the impressive Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, which hosted the opening game of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations. Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026 Homer, who flew to Bali with Baillie’s mom for support, said the woman and her family need help covering ongoing care and an outstanding medical bill, as well as arranging medical transfer back to Australia. Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026 An ongoing exhibit of Foster + Partners’ renderings and models for the new wing have been warmly received by museum visitors. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ongoing

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ongoing was in 1877

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ongoing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ongoing. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

ongoing

adjective
on·​go·​ing ˈȯn-ˌgō-iŋ How to pronounce ongoing (audio)
ˈän-
: being in progress or movement

More from Merriam-Webster on ongoing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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