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

Still, high costs of cancer drugs have been an ongoing debate in the medical community, Miksad said. —Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025

Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker of Blink-182 are doing their part amid the ongoing fires in Los Angeles. —Jack Irvin, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025

While the messaging of the brand’s classic Purity product is an ongoing objective, meeting skincare needs broadly — beyond the face — is another category for business growth. —Charlie Carballo, WWD, 28 Jan. 2025

This story is part of The Star’s ongoing coverage of the rapidly expanding world of the Kansas City Chiefs. —David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 28 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

ongoing

adjective

on·​go·​ing ˈȯn-ˌgō-iŋ 

ˈän-

: being in progress or movement