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

Geopolitical tensions, from ongoing conflicts to trade frictions, add fuel to gold’s safe-haven appeal. —Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

On Saturday, the Riviera Country Club was home to the one-night culinary experience featuring two dozen Michelin chefs hosted by HexClad in partnership with Riviera Country Club benefiting Steadfast LA and ongoing wildfire recovery efforts. —Michelle Edgar, Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026

Talks for an Audi plant have been ongoing, initially encouraged by subsidies making an investment economically viable. —William Wilkes Bloomberg, Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026

An investigation into the attack is ongoing. —Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026

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