B2adjective2K

Ongoing

UK /["/ˈɒnɡəʊɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈɑːnɡəʊɪŋ/"]/

Definition

continuing to exist or develop

In simple words: still happening; continuing.

Examples

  • an ongoing debate/discussion/process
  • The police investigation is ongoing.
  • Training is part of our ongoing career development program.

Usage notes

Use 'ongoing' to describe events or situations that are currently in progress. It’s usually appropriate in both written and spoken contexts, but can be less formal than legal or academic settings.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'on' as in 'on track' and 'going' as in 'moving forward'. Together, they mean something is still happening.

Collocations

  • ongoing project
  • ongoing discussion
  • ongoing debate
  • ongoing research
  • ongoing process

Synonyms

  • continuing
  • uninterrupted
  • prolonged
  • persistent
  • constant

Antonyms

  • completed
  • finished
  • terminated

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'ongoing' with 'on-going'.
  • Using 'ongoing' in place of 'completed' or 'finished'.