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

• afoot
• proceeding

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

The proposal is part of the agency's response to the ongoing delays and cancellations that have resulted from tech difficulties in the air traffic control tower. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 16 May 2025

Now, just getting to the airport may be a burden as the NJ Transit has suspended all train services due to an ongoing strike. —Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2025

With soil amending, many of your typical garden fertilizers are used to adjust pH, but this is done with a mindset of ongoing adjusting and monitoring. —Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2025

The broadband labels posted for each company also hint at another difference in ongoing costs. —Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 16 May 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