ongoing

adjective

on·​go·​ing ˈȯn-ˌgō-iŋ How to pronounce ongoing (audio)
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 How to pronounce ongoing (audio)
ˈän-
-ˌgȯ(-)iŋ-
noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An investigation into the incident is still ongoing, per ABC 7. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025 However, investigations into the cause are ongoing. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025 Venice has often been seen as the most glamorous and least political of the major film festivals, but in 2025, the movies that made the strongest impact focused on current events, with the ongoing Israeli invasion of Gaza casting a long shadow. Crispian Balmer, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025 As part of the hotel’s ongoing renovations (scheduled to be completed in early 2026), 31 additional guest rooms and a new, 12,000 square-foot, full-service wellness center are slated to open. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ongoing

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ongoing was in 1877

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Cite this Entry

“Ongoing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ongoing. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

ongoing

adjective
on·​go·​ing ˈȯn-ˌgō-iŋ How to pronounce ongoing (audio)
ˈän-
: being in progress or movement

More from Merriam-Webster on ongoing

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