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ongoing

ongoing

401 3.5
Still happening and not finished
  • adjective
  • /ˈɔŋˌɡoʊɪŋ/
translation icon : continuo
  • That said, however, the investigation is ongoing.
  • ongoing process
  • on an ongoing basis
  • ongoing support

Your vocation is an ongoing question, is it not?

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Examples

  • It's just an ongoing investigation.

  • It's about providing ongoing access to this service.

  • It's been ongoing since March of last year.

  • This is an ongoing research issue right now.

  • And then we'll bring our attention back to the ongoing conversation.

  • Like I said, it's an ongoing creation process.

  • One major factor in the evolving role of gardens will be the ongoing effects of climate change.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Cohort members truly appreciate the active, ongoing support and learn to trust each other.

    Academic text (2011)
  • According to investigating officer Henry Osborne, the investigation is considered active and ongoing.

  • The ongoing project aims to improve the city's infrastructure.

Synonyms

underway
vsongoing
336 4.1

Happening right now

is the general idea that it keeps happening or developing
under way
vsongoing
6 3.0

Already started and continuing now

is the general term meaning it keeps happening or developing
continued
vsongoing
1.3

Happening without stopping for a period of time

highlights that it is happening now rather than its length
continuing
vsongoing
2.8

Happening over a long time and not finished

focuses on present activity rather than long duration

Antonyms

2 1.0

Complete and no longer needing work

No longer made or offered

Compounds

ongoing evaluation
  • Specialized
1 4.0

A regular check during a project that shows progress and helps people decide

How Continuous

persistent
82 4.9
continuous
141 3.7
ongoing
401 3.5

Surface Forms

ongoing positive

Morphology

ongoing = going (transparent) = on + go + ing

The meaning 'continuing; in progress' is directly formed from 'on' + 'going' and is readily inferable by learners.

Etymology

The word ongoing comes from on + the verb go, so it literally means 'going on' or 'continuing'. That's why we use ongoing for something that is happening now and has not finished.