ongoing
Americanadjective
adjective
-
actually in progress
ongoing projects
-
continually moving forward; developing
-
remaining in existence; continuing
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
Explanation
If something is ongoing, it is happening now. If you have an ongoing argument with your neighbor, it means you were arguing before, you’re arguing now, and it looks like you'll be arguing into the future. If something is ongoing, it is currently in action. Often in news reports, reference will be made to an ongoing investigation because the police are in the midst of it at the moment of reporting. Ongoing reports are currently in progress as are ongoing repairs. If your teachers say that there will be ongoing testing throughout the year, you won't be done with it until you get out of school.
Vocabulary lists containing ongoing
Word Generation Weekly - Series 3
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Chapter 17: Imperial China
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Selection Vocabulary 3, Unit 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For Kirsty, it was an ongoing fight to get the additional support needed as his health worsened.
From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026
Timeshares, whose clientele skew middle class, might not be quite as resilient—especially since the purchases are such a big, ongoing financial commitment.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026
Talk of expanding the role of drones has been ongoing for years but ramped up in 2025 after a public outcry over a series of high-profile burglaries on the city’s Westside.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026
Verizon also raised its guidance for the current year, citing the success of an ongoing transformation plan and the strong first-quarter results.
From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026
The Rum War was the result—an ongoing battle at sea and along the shores.
From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
