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

Ellis died at age 39 from heart failure due to alcohol withdrawal syndrome following an ongoing struggle with substance abuse. —Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2025

Talks are also ongoing with potential partners to bring similar concepts to resort locations such as Dubai, Ibiza, Macao, and Thailand. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2025

Louisville police's Traffic Unit is handling the ongoing investigation. —Matthew Glowicki, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Oct. 2025

The investigation, including into any social media posts leading up to the deaths, is ongoing. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 4 Oct. 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