underway

1 of 2

adjective

un·​der·​way ˌən-dər-ˈwā How to pronounce underway (audio)
Synonyms of underwaynext
: occurring, performed, or used while traveling or in motion
underway replenishment of fuel

underway

2 of 2

adverb

variants or less commonly under way
1
: in motion : not at anchor or aground
The ship was underway at dawn.
2
: into motion from a standstill
The train should be underway again soon.
3
: in progress : happening now
Preparations for the celebration are already underway.
A search is underway.
The season got underway with a bang.

Synonyms of underway

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Adverb

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Examples of underway in a Sentence

Adverb construction of the new shopping mall is under way
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.
Adjective
The meticulous renovation of Gresham Palace, which opened as a Four Seasons in 2006, set the bar high for the numerous other restoration jobs currently underway. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026 Neither Leeds nor Liverpool were anywhere near full strength, due to being at different stages of their own preparations for a Premier League season that doesn’t get underway until August 21. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Adverb
With new investigations underway, the administration is pursuing a trade strategy that could reach far beyond the levies taking effect now. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 25 July 2026 The comptroller’s report last year estimated that the subsidy-eligible projects underway would yield more than 15,000 rental units, and more have entered the pipeline since then. — Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for underway

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

probably from Dutch onderweg, from Middle Dutch onderwegen, literally, under or among the ways

First Known Use

Adjective

1743, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1720, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underway was in 1720

Rhymes for underway

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Browse Nearby Words

underwater
underway
underwear
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Cite this Entry

“Underway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underway. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

under way

adverb
1
: in or into motion
a ship getting under way
2
: in progress
preparations are under way

More from Merriam-Webster on underway

Nglish: Translation of underway for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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