ongoing

adjective

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

Synonyms of ongoing

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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.
Ariana Grande plans to step away from the public eye following scrutiny amid ongoing discourse around her health, a representative told People. — Joe Kottke, NBC news, 3 Aug. 2026 Parts of Nebraska, Nevada, and the Dakotas are also under red flag warnings due to the ongoing hot, dry and windy conditions. — Michelle Simmons, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026 Seattle police say the case remains active and ongoing but will not say more. — Sydney Brownstone, NPR, 2 Aug. 2026 This victory further fuels Danhausen's ongoing feud with Judgment Day, a rivalry that gained prominence after his curse famously helped the New York Knicks clinch their first NBA title in 53 years. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for ongoing

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Browse Nearby Words

on-glide
ongoing
Ongole
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ongoing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ongoing. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of ongoing for Spanish Speakers

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