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

Reps for Amazon and Howell are not commenting, but sources say negotiations are currently ongoing for Howell to join the series. —Joe Otterson, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025

Discussions around a new tax bill are ongoing on Capitol Hill, but there does not currently appear to be any pointed push to remove the tax exemption on these bonds. —Jesse Pound, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025

As a keynote speaker, Dr. Mayer challenges conventional wisdom about leadership, recasting it as an active, ongoing process. —Hilary Tetenbaum, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025

While the full scope and impact of the breach remain unclear, the incident highlights ongoing security challenges for the platform, especially following its acquisition by xAI in late March 2025. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 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