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

• 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

For its part, the EU is still trying to get the White House to agree the wording of deal reached in Scotland – there is ongoing lobbying from the spirits industry in Europe, not to mention the auto manufacturers. —Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Lilly is testing that possibility in an ongoing clinical trial. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2025

Judges for both programs were selected for their industry expertise, their connection to Just For Laughs, and their ongoing commitment to championing emerging comedic voices. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025

Wednesday's episode marked the latest in South Park's ongoing depictions of the current presidential administration. —EW.com, 7 Aug. 2025

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