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

How the Saver’s Match will work The new Saver’s Match is part of an ongoing broader effort to help workers save for retirement. — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

That ease can turn SMS from a series of isolated alerts or promotions into an ongoing channel for feedback, personalized support and proactive customer care. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

That’s due in part to the Fed’s recent hike in interest rates, surging bond yields, geopolitical uncertainty, the ongoing Iran war and a shift in how many investors view the short-term growth of AI stocks. — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Owner Ruben Granados Martinez said the restaurant outgrew its old spot on East Independence Boulevard and cited ongoing renovations at a neighboring business that made parking a headache. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 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