ongoing

American  

[on-goh-ing, awn-] / ˈɒnˌgoʊ ɪŋ, ˈɔn- /

adjective

1. continuing without termination or interruption.

   ongoing research projects.

   Synonyms:

   unbroken, uninterrupted, proceeding

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ongoing British  

/ ˈɒnˌɡəʊɪŋ /

adjective

1. actually in progress

   ongoing projects

2. continually moving forward; developing

3. remaining in existence; continuing

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Usage

What does ongoing mean? Ongoing means continuing without interruption or a scheduled end. Something that’s described as ongoing has been happening for a while and is expected to continue to happen. Ongoing is an adjective that’s used to describe situations and actions. Similar terms are continuing and in progress. Example: I’m so tired of this ongoing argument with Kathy—no matter what I do, it just never stops.

Etymology

Origin of ongoing

First recorded in 1855–60; on + going, after the verb phrase go on

Example Sentences

However, they’ve started to recover, and the tech cycle still has near-term earnings momentum driven by ongoing demand strength, Bratton notes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

The Oxfordshire based psychologist trains astronauts and says Nasa's ongoing Artemis II mission has been "inspiring" for a whole generation back on Earth.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Rigetti has drawn criticism on Wall Street over its reliance on federal funding to support ongoing research-and-development efforts, with some analysts arguing that Rigetti’s dependence on government contracts limits its near-term growth potential.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

News of the planned Disney job cuts add to the ongoing drumbeat Hollywood has endured for the last few years.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Reforestation and bamboo planting efforts are ongoing, as is local community outreach and education.

From "Camp Panda" by Catherine Thimmesh

Related Words

• continuing
• current
• growing
• open-ended
• successful