Ongoing vs. Undergo — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 18, 2024
"Ongoing" describes something that is currently in progress or continuing, whereas "undergo" refers to the experience or process of going through a particular condition, change, or treatment.
Difference Between Ongoing and Undergo
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
The term "ongoing" is used to denote actions, events, or situations that are currently happening or continuing over a period of time. It emphasizes the persistent nature of the activity or state. For example, an ongoing project is one that is currently underway and has not yet been completed. In contrast, "undergo" is a verb that describes the act of experiencing or being subjected to a certain process, condition, or treatment. It implies a passive role in the process, where the subject is affected by or receives the action. For example, to undergo surgery means to be operated on.
The term ongoing is often used to describe tasks, discussions, developments, or processes that have started and are still in progress, highlighting their continuous or unfinished status. "Undergo" is used to convey the idea of enduring or going through an experience, change, or phase, often implying a transformation or impact as a result of the experience.
While "ongoing" is used to express the duration and continuity of actions or states, "undergo" focuses on the experience or the process itself, highlighting the involvement or participation of the subject in the experience. "Ongoing" is descriptive of the state of affairs, usually without implying an end point, whereas "undergo" suggests a passage through something that might have a transformative or significant effect on the subject.
The distinction between these terms is important for clear communication, especially in contexts where the state of progress or the nature of experiences is being discussed. Understanding whether a situation is ongoing or something is being undergone helps to grasp the dynamics of the situation and the involvement or impact on the subjects or objects described.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Adjective (describes the continuous state of being).
Verb (describes the act of experiencing or being subjected to).
ADVERTISEMENT
Usage
To denote actions or states that are currently happening or continuing.
To convey experiencing or being subjected to a process, condition, or treatment.
Implication
Indicates duration and continuity without a definite endpoint.
Suggests a passage through an experience that might have a significant impact or result in transformation.
Focus
On the action or state itself as it is ongoing.
On the subject undergoing the experience or process.
Examples
An ongoing investigation.
To undergo surgery.
Compare with Definitions
Ongoing
Describes something that is currently continuing or in progress.
The construction of the new bridge is ongoing.
Undergo
Often implies a transformation or impact as a result.
The software is undergoing significant updates.
Ongoing
Can relate to situations, conditions, or activities.
The museum's ongoing exhibit has attracted thousands of visitors.
Undergo
Can suggest a passive role in the process.
The building is undergoing renovations.
Ongoing
Implies that the end point is not yet reached or defined.
Ongoing negotiations between the two countries are showing promise.
Undergo
Used in contexts of change, treatment, or examination.
The country is undergoing economic reforms.
Ongoing
Emphasizes the persistent or unfinished nature.
The fight against climate change is an ongoing challenge.
Undergo
Highlights the process or experience rather than the outcome.
Students undergo training before starting the internship.
Ongoing
Often used to describe projects, discussions, or processes.
The research into renewable energy sources is an ongoing effort.
Undergo
To experience or be subjected to a process, condition, or treatment.
The patient will undergo a series of tests.
Ongoing
Currently taking place
An ongoing festival.
Undergo
To experience or be subjected to
A person who underwent great difficulty.
A house that is undergoing renovations.
Ongoing
In progress or evolving.
Undergo
(transitive) To experience; to pass through a phase.
The project is undergoing great changes.
Ongoing
Continuing, permanent, lasting.
Undergo
(transitive) To suffer or endure; bear with.
The victim underwent great trauma.
She had to undergo surgery because of her broken leg.
Ongoing
Presently or currently happening; being in progress.
Undergo
To go or move under or beneath.
Ongoing
Something that is going on; a happening.
Undergo
To go or move below or under.
Ongoing
(rare) ongo
Undergo
To be subjected to; to bear up against; to pass through; to endure; to suffer; to sustain; as, to undergo toil and fatigue; to undergo pain, grief, or anxiety; to undergothe operation of amputation; food in the stomach undergoes the process of digestion.
Certain to undergo like doom.
Ongoing
The act of going forward; progress; (pl.) affairs; business; current events.
The common ongoings of this our commonplace world, and everyday life.
Undergo
To be the bearer of; to possess.
Their virtues else, be they as pure as grace,As infinite as man may undergo.
Ongoing
Occurring at present; progressing; in progress; continuing; not past, completed, or future; as, an ongoing petition drive; an ongoing effort.
Undergo
To undertake; to engage in; to hazard.
I have moved alreadySome certain of the noblest-minded RomansTo undergo with me an enterprise.
Ongoing
Currently happening;
An ongoing economic crisis
Negotiations are in progress
Undergo
To be subject or amenable to; to underlie.
Claudio undergoes my challenge.
Undergo
Of mental or physical states or experiences;
Get an idea
Experience vertigo
Get nauseous
Undergo a strange sensation
The chemical undergoes a sudden change
The fluid undergoes shear
Receive injuries
Have a feeling
Undergo
Go or live through;
We had many trials to go through
He saw action in Viet Nam
Undergo
Accept or undergo, often unwillingly;
We took a pay cut
Common Curiosities
How does undergoing a change affect something or someone?
Undergoing a change typically implies that the subject will experience some form of transformation or impact as a result of the process.
Can an event be both ongoing and being undergone?
Yes, in some contexts, an event or process can be ongoing (continuing over time) and be undergone by individuals or entities (experiencing the process).
Can a person undergo an ongoing process?
Yes, a person can undergo a process that is ongoing, especially in contexts like treatment or training.
Is "ongoing" used only for positive situations?
No, "ongoing" can describe any situation that is currently continuing, regardless of its nature.
Is the outcome of undergoing always known?
Not necessarily; the outcome can sometimes be uncertain or dependent on the nature of the process or experience.
Do both terms imply a temporal aspect?
"Ongoing" directly refers to the temporal aspect of continuity, while "undergo" implies a duration through the process but focuses more on the experience.
What does it mean for a project to be ongoing?
It means the project is currently in progress and has not yet been completed.
What distinguishes the use of "undergo" in medical contexts?
In medical contexts, "undergo" often refers to receiving treatment or procedures, highlighting the patient's experience of the medical process.
Can organizations undergo ongoing changes?
Yes, organizations can undergo changes that are ongoing, reflecting continuous adaptation or transformation.
How can understanding these terms improve communication?
Knowing the distinction enhances clarity, especially in conveying the state of processes, projects, or experiences and their impact on subjects or objects.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Ovum vs. Egg
Next Comparison
Beat vs. StrokeAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
