Word
ongoing
Phoneticson·go·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɑnˌɡoʊɪŋ/
UK/ˈɒŋɡəʊɪŋ/
Definition
adj. happening right now or continuing over a long period of time.
adj. presently in progress or continuing without interruption; often used to describe investigations, debates, or maintenance.
Examples
“The police have an ongoing investigation into the robbery.”
“The two companies are in ongoing negotiations to finalize the merger by the end of the year.”
“Despite several rounds of mediation, the ongoing dispute between the union and the board remains unresolved, with both parties refusing to compromise on the core issue of pension contributions.”
Examples
simple
“The police have an ongoing investigation into the robbery.”
contextual
“The two companies are in ongoing negotiations to finalize the merger by the end of the year.”
complex
“Despite several rounds of mediation, the ongoing dispute between the union and the board remains unresolved, with both parties refusing to compromise on the core issue of pension contributions.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “ongoing” in context.
Adjective
01. ongoing activity
“Volcano monitoring is an ongoing activity that ensures the safety of local residents.”
adj + noun
02. ongoing debate
“There is an ongoing debate about the benefits of remote work versus office work.”
adj + noun
03. ongoing development
“The software is subject to ongoing development to fix bugs and add new features.”
adj + noun
04. ongoing discussion
“We are in an ongoing discussion with our partners regarding the new contract.”
adj + noun
05. ongoing procedure
“The hospital has an ongoing procedure for handling emergency admissions.”
adj + noun
06. ongoing process
“Learning a second language is an ongoing process that requires years of practice.”
adj + noun
07. ongoing commitment
08. ongoing conflict
09. ongoing full-scale
10. ongoing humiliation
11. ongoing programme
12. ongoing research
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it describes.
Real-World Examples
“Green roofs can cool buildings and cities, reduce energy use, manage stormwater, and support biodiversity, but require ongoing care.” “It's due to go up again in 20 years' time to 68, though that might happen earlier as the government has an ongoing independent review.” Etymology
From on + going, related to the phrasal verb go on.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/ongoing