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.
Out in the cold: Greenland at centre of political power play but sees CONCACAF future Greenland has been thrust into geopolitical significance recently due to U.S. president Donald Trump’s ongoing proposal to purchase the semiautonomous territory of Denmark. Richard Amofa, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025 This moment underscored the ongoing challenges faced by Black athletes, especially Black women, in sports. Oumou Fofana, Essence, 21 Feb. 2025 The ongoing debate in Washington raises concerns about whether this level of spending is necessary or whether resources should be redirected to other national priorities. Daniel Cody, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025 Commentators said that the attacks were possibly a response to ongoing Israeli military operations in the occupied West Bank, which have displaced tens of thousands of Palestinians from their homes. Patrick Kingsley, New York Times, 21 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ongoing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ongoing. Accessed 4 Mar. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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