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

Multiple federal health officials said planning has been ongoing for the next steps of the reorganization and merger, even as Kennedy has cited the court rulings as a reason to dodge questions about the restructuring on Capitol Hill. —Alexander Tin, CBS News, 1 July 2025

An investigation into the incident is reportedly ongoing. —Escher Walcott, People.com, 1 July 2025

However, investigations into the cause are ongoing. 10 engines, four water tenders, one dozer and three hand crews are all continuing to fight the fire. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025

Newark Liberty Airport – which has also been plagued with disruptions due to ongoing staffing shortages – was experiencing delays of a whopping four hours due to thunderstorms, with the interruptions expected to impact flights until 2:00 a.m. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 1 July 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