Ongoing

Definition

Ongoing describes something that is currently happening or continuing to occur or progress.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɑnˌɡoʊɪŋ/
• Respelling: ON-goh-ing (with "ON" as in "on," "goh" as in "go," and "ing" as in "singing")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɒnˌɡəʊɪŋ/
• Respelling: ON-goh-ing (similar to American English, with "ON" as in "on," "goh" as in "go," and "ing" as in "singing")

In both dialects, "ongoing" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "ON." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "ON-goh-ing."

Etymology

The term "ongoing" is formed from the present participle "going" (from the verb "go") prefixed with "on-", a preposition indicating continuation. It effectively means "continuing to go" or "in the process of happening".

Derivatives

• Ongoingly (adverbial form)
• Ongoingness (noun form)
• None
• None
• None

Synonyms

• Continuing
• Continuous
• Unceasing

Antonyms

• Ceased
• Discontinued
• Ended

Usage

"Ongoing" is commonly used to describe events, situations, or activities that are still happening or are in progress.

• There's an ongoing investigation into the incident.
• The construction is an ongoing project that should complete next year.
• The debate is ongoing, with no clear resolution in sight.

Related Terms

• Progress
• Continuation
• Development

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Currently Happening: Something that is actively occurring at the current moment.‍
• Example: There's an ongoing sale at the department store.

• Continuing Over Time: Describes a situation, activity, or process that persists over a period, without a definite end in sight.‍
• Example: The research is an ongoing effort that has spanned several decades.