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

Mattivi said there is no ongoing threat to the public. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 16 Nov. 2025

Administration officials are continuing to hold high-level meetings with members of Congress and foreign leaders amid ongoing military exercises. —Laura Sullivan, NPR, 15 Nov. 2025

Investigations into its cause are still ongoing. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 Nov. 2025

The Context Such violent confrontations underline ongoing risks in domestic dispute responses and highlight the dangers faced by law enforcement in the country. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Nov. 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