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

The identification of Margalit as the 10th deceased Israeli hostage returned from Gaza underscores the ongoing complexities in implementing the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. —James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025

Filmed with non-pros in a rural community in Chiapas, the pic captures the urgent, ongoing struggle faced by conservationists throughout Latin America. —Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 18 Oct. 2025

The tourism board is also reminding visitors about various ongoing sporting events, including Washington Commanders and Washington Capitals games. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025

Most of the effects of the ongoing government shutdown are far-removed from the halls of Congress. —Sam Gringlas, NPR, 18 Oct. 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