Something that is going on; a happening.
"The ongoing protest outside the city hall has been drawing large crowds all day long."
In plain English: An ongoing is something that keeps happening without stopping for a long time.
"The ongoing represents the current stage of the project that we are still working on."
Usage: The word "ongoing" is an adjective and should not be used as a noun to mean "an event." Instead, use neutral nouns like "occurrence," "incident," or "situation" when referring to something currently happening.
present participle of ongo
"The ongoing negotiations between the two countries are expected to continue for several more months."
"The ongoing project is still in progress."
Usage: The form "ongoing" is not used as a standard English verb because the base word ongo does not exist; instead, use the adjective "ongoing" or the phrasal verbs "get going," "carry on," and "continue." Writers should avoid attempting to conjugate it (e.g., "I am ongoing-ing"), which is always incorrect.
Continuing, permanent, lasting.
"The ongoing construction of the new library will block traffic for several more years."
In plain English: Ongoing means something that is still happening and has not finished yet.
"The ongoing project will continue for several more weeks."
Usage: Use "ongoing" to describe an action or situation that is currently continuing and has not yet finished. Avoid using it to mean something permanent or everlasting, as the word specifically implies a process in progress rather than a final state.
The word ongoing comes from combining the prefix on with the present participle of go, reflecting its origin as a variation of the phrasal verb "to go on." It entered English directly through this combination rather than evolving from an older root meaning something different.