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ongoing

ongoing

440 3.5
Still happening and not finished
  • adjective
  • /ˈɔŋˌɡoʊɪŋ/
: 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

continued
vsongoing
229 1.3

Happening without stopping for a period of time

highlights that it is happening now rather than its length
continuing
vsongoing
209 2.8

Happening over a long time and not finished

focuses on present activity rather than long duration
underway
vsongoing
188 4.1

Happening right now

is the general idea that it keeps happening or developing
under way
vsongoing
156 3.0

Already started and continuing now

is the general term meaning it keeps happening or developing

Antonyms

767 1.0

Complete and no longer needing work

7 4.2

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
95 4.9
continuous
157 3.7
ongoing
440 3.5
continuing
209 2.8

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.