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

The police union also said there was no indication that the shooting was related to ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 festivities downtown. — Kendrick Calfee june 25, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026

Common problems include over-filing of the nail plate, improper gel removal that leads to peeling or picking, concerns about UV lamp exposure and ongoing dehydration of the nail plate under the polish. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026

Lake managers have begun extending boat ramps in preparation for ongoing low levels, and workers recently floated the entire Bullfrog Marina across the lake into deeper water at Halls Crossing in Utah. — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 26 June 2026

Oakland police also said the investigation into Martin’s death is ongoing. — Hannah Fingerhut, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for ongoing

• blowing
• boing
• bowing
• crowing
• flowing
• glowing
• going
• growing
• hoeing
• knowing
• lowing
• rowing

Kids Definition

ongoing

adjective

on·​go·​ing ˈȯn-ˌgō-iŋ 

ˈän-

: being in progress or movement