Underway
/ˌʌndərˈweɪ/
Definitions
In progress; being done or carried out.
/ˌʌndərˈweɪ/
In progress; happening or continuing.
Construction of the new bridge is underway.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a Lego castle. When you've started building it, but it's not finished, the building is 'underway'! It's in the process of being built.
👶 For kids: When something is underway, it means it's started and happening!
More Examples
The investigation into the matter is now underway.
Efforts to improve the city's infrastructure are underway.
How It's Used
"The project is underway and expected to be completed next year."
"Negotiations are underway to finalize the deal."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
get underway
To begin or start something.
"The ceremony will get underway at noon."
From under + way. The word 'way' originally meant 'journey' or 'course'. 'Underway' literally described something 'in progress' or 'on its journey'.
Used since the late 16th century, initially referring to a ship sailing (being 'under way'). The meaning expanded to apply to any activity in progress.