Underway vs. Ongoing — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 30, 2024
Underway involves something that has started and is in progress, while ongoing refers to something continuously happening or evolving.
Difference Between Underway and Ongoing
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Underway signifies the initiation and continuation of an action or event. It is often used to denote the beginning phase moving forward. Whereas ongoing describes processes or activities that are in progress, emphasizing their continuous or repeated nature over time without specifying a starting point.
While underway is frequently associated with events or projects that have a clear start and are moving towards completion, ongoing activities may not have a definitive end and could be part of a routine or long-term process.
Underway often implies a sense of momentum or movement, suggesting that something has recently started and is advancing. On the other hand, ongoing can imply a state of being, where the focus is on the duration or persistence of an activity rather than its progress.
Underway is a term that can be applied to specific projects, tasks, or events, indicating a temporal phase that they are currently in. Whereas ongoing is more likely to describe conditions, operations, or situations that are continually happening, highlighting their enduring or recurrent nature.
In the context of usage, "underway" is particularly common in reference to activities or operations that involve a clear progression or development, such as a journey or project. In contrast, "ongoing" is more versatile, applying to a wide range of continuous actions, conditions, or states, from research to negotiations.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Something that has started and is currently in progress.
Something that is continuously happening or being carried out.
Temporal Focus
The start and continuation of an action.
The duration or persistence of an action.
Implication
Suggests momentum or movement.
Emphasizes continuity or repetition.
Usage Context
Often used for projects, tasks, or events with a clear progression.
Applies to a wide range of continuous or recurring activities.
Sense of Completion
Implies progress towards an endpoint.
May not suggest an endpoint; focuses on ongoing process.
Compare with Definitions
Underway
In motion or progress.
With the negotiations underway, both parties are optimistic.
Ongoing
Continuing to exist or develop.
There is an ongoing investigation into the matter.
Underway
The process of starting and continuing.
The new semester is underway, and students are already busy with assignments.
Ongoing
Happening or evolving without interruption.
The ongoing debate about climate change is heating up.
Underway
Having started and currently happening.
The construction project is finally underway after months of planning.
Ongoing
Not yet completed or ended.
The renovation of the old theater is an ongoing project.
Underway
Active or in operation.
Rescue operations are underway to help those affected by the flood.
Ongoing
Persistently engaged or involved.
She has an ongoing interest in art history.
Underway
Proceeding towards a goal.
Our journey is now underway, and we expect to arrive by evening.
Ongoing
Constantly moving forward.
The ongoing efforts to improve public health are commendable.
Underway
Underway, or under way, is a nautical term describing the state of a vessel. "Way" arises when there is sufficient water flow past the rudder of a vessel that it can be steered.
Ongoing
Currently taking place
An ongoing festival.
Underway
In motion or operation.
Ongoing
In progress or evolving.
Underway
Already commenced or initiated; in progress.
Ongoing
Continuing, permanent, lasting.
Underway
(Nautical) Neither anchored nor moored to a fixed object.
Ongoing
Presently or currently happening; being in progress.
Underway
In motion, in progress; being done or carried out; on a journey.
Ongoing
Something that is going on; a happening.
Underway
A road, track, path, or street for going under another way or obstacle; an underpass.
Ongoing
(rare) ongo
Underway
An underground passage, subway, tunnel.
Ongoing
The act of going forward; progress; (pl.) affairs; business; current events.
The common ongoings of this our commonplace world, and everyday life.
Underway
A voyage, especially underwater.
Ongoing
Occurring at present; progressing; in progress; continuing; not past, completed, or future; as, an ongoing petition drive; an ongoing effort.
Underway
Currently in progress;
There is mischief afoot
Plans are afoot
Preparations for the trial are underway
Ongoing
Currently happening;
An ongoing economic crisis
Negotiations are in progress
Common Curiosities
What is an example of something ongoing?
An example would be ongoing maintenance work on a building, indicating it continues regularly.
How do you use underway in a sentence?
"The community clean-up initiative is underway, with volunteers gathering early in the morning."
Can a meeting be described as underway?
Yes, if the meeting has started and is currently happening.
Can something be both underway and ongoing?
Yes, a task can be both if it has recently started and is expected to continue for some time.
What does it mean when a project is underway?
It means the project has started and is currently in progress.
Is underway one word or two?
It is one word when used to describe something in progress (e.g., The project is underway.)
What makes a situation ongoing?
Its persistence or continuous development over time makes it ongoing.
Is it correct to say an event is ongoing?
Yes, if the event is currently happening and continuing over a period.
How does ongoing differ from continuous?
Ongoing refers to something that is in progress and may have breaks, whereas continuous implies no interruptions.
Can a plan be underway?
Yes, if actions to implement the plan have started.
What does it indicate when a project moves from being underway to ongoing?
It suggests the project has transitioned from its initial phases to a more continuous state of operation.
How do ongoing activities impact planning?
They require continuous monitoring and adaptation due to their evolving nature.
Is ongoing always related to time?
Yes, as it refers to activities or states that persist over time.
What’s the difference between being in progress and being underway?
Being in progress focuses on the ongoing nature, while being underway emphasizes the start and continuation.
Can an investigation be both underway and ongoing?
Yes, if it has started recently and is expected to continue for an undetermined period.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Groovy vs. Funky
Next Comparison
Factor vs. CharacteristicsAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity 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.
