Current vs. Ongoing: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on February 27, 2024
"Current" denotes something happening or existing now, while "ongoing" indicates something that is continuously in progress or happening.
Difference Between Current and Ongoing
"Current" and "ongoing" are two terms often used interchangeably, but they convey distinct nuances about the duration and nature of an event or situation. When something is described as "current," it's emphasized that it's happening or is in effect at this specific moment or time. This doesn't necessarily convey any implication about its past duration or future continuation. For instance, a "current event" is a happening of the present moment, emphasizing its contemporaneous nature.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 27, 2024
On the other hand, "ongoing" emphasizes the continuous nature or progress of something, suggesting that it started in the past and is expected to continue into the future. It often relates to actions, events, or situations that are in the middle of occurring and haven't yet concluded. So, when someone mentions an "ongoing investigation," it denotes that the process started some time ago and hasn't reached its end.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 27, 2024
Moreover, "current" can also refer to what's prevalent or widely accepted during a particular time. This can be in terms of fashion, thought, or even technology. For instance, the "current trend" in fashion might refer to the style popular now. Conversely, "ongoing" doesn't have this contextual versatility; it remains anchored to its core meaning of continuity.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 27, 2024
Furthermore, "current" can have other meanings outside of time. For instance, in the context of water or electricity, it denotes a flow or movement. "Ongoing" doesn't share this diversity of meanings. Its focus remains on the extended duration of an event or situation.
Kaitlyn
Feb 27, 2024
In essence, while both "current" and "ongoing" touch upon the present moment, the former emphasizes the immediate present, and the latter highlights the continuity of an action or situation from the past through the present and often into the future.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 27, 2024
Current vs. Ongoing Comparison Chart
Time Frame
Refers to the immediate present.
Indicates continuity from past to present.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 27, 2024
Contextual Versatility
Can denote prevalent trends or flow of water/electricity.
Strictly related to continuous actions or events.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 27, 2024
Future Implication
No indication of future continuation.
Suggests continuation into the future.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 27, 2024
Current vs. Ongoing Definitions
◉Ongoing
Being in a state of continued activity or occurrence.
The ongoing debate has yet to reach a consensus.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 05, 2023
◉Current
Being in common or general use.
The current terminology in the field has changed.
Kaitlyn
Sep 05, 2023
◉Current
Belonging to the present time; present-day
current events.
current leaders.
my current address.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Ongoing
Carried on continuously without interruption.
The ongoing efforts of the community brought positive changes.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 05, 2023
◉Current
Commonly accepted or used; prevalent
current fashions.
current technology.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Current
Passing from one to another; circulating, as money or a rumor
current bills and coins.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Current
A steady, smooth onward flow or movement
a current of air from a fan.
a current of spoken words.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Current
The part of a body of liquid or gas that has a continuous onward movement
rowed out into the river's swift current.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Ongoing
The act of going forward; progress; (pl.) affairs; business; current events.
The common ongoings of this our commonplace world, and everyday life.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Ongoing
Occurring at present; progressing; in progress; continuing; not past, completed, or future; as, an ongoing petition drive; an ongoing effort.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Current
The amount of electric charge flowing past a specified circuit point per unit time, usually expressed in amperes.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Ongoing
currently happening;
an ongoing economic crisis
negotiations are in progress
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Ongoing
Persistently moving forward or progressing.
The ongoing research aims to find a cure.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 05, 2023
◉Current
The part of a fluid that moves continuously in a certain direction, especially (oceanography) nocap=a.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Ongoing
Of actions or situations that have started and are still continuing.
The ongoing series has captivated audiences worldwide.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 05, 2023
◉Current
(electricity) the amount of electric charge flowing in each unit of time.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Current
Existing or occurring at the moment.
current events
current leaders
current negotiations
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Current
Generally accepted, used, practiced, or prevalent at the moment.
current affairs
current bills and coins
current fashions
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Current
(India) Electric; of or relating to electricity.
current bill
current shock
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Current
Running or moving rapidly.
Like the current fire, that rennethUpon a cord.
To chase a creature that was current thenIn these wild woods, the hart with golden horns.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Current
Passing from person to person, or from hand to hand; circulating through the community; generally received; common; as, a current coin; a current report; current history.
That there was current money in Abraham's time is past doubt.
Your fire-new stamp of honor is scarce current.
His current value, which is less or more as men have occasion for him.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Current
Fitted for general acceptance or circulation; authentic; passable.
O Buckingham, now do I play the touchTo try if thou be current gold indeed.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Current
A flowing or passing; onward motion. Hence: A body of fluid moving continuously in a certain direction; a stream; esp., the swiftest part of it; as, a current of water or of air; that which resembles a stream in motion; as, a current of electricity.
Two such silver currents, when they join,Do glorify the banks that bound them in.
The surface of the ocean is furrowed by currents, whose direction . . . the navigator should know.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Current
General course; ordinary procedure; progressive and connected movement; as, the current of time, of events, of opinion, etc.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Current
a flow of electricity through a conductor;
the current was measured in amperes
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Current
a steady flow (usually from natural causes);
the raft floated downstream on the current
he felt a stream of air
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Current
dominant course (suggestive of running water) of successive events or ideas;
two streams of development run through American history
stream of consciousness
the flow of thought
the current of history
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Current
occurring in or belonging to the present time;
current events
the current topic
current negotiations
current psychoanalytic theories
the ship's current position
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Current
The flow of water or air in a definite direction.
The current carried the boat downstream.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 05, 2023
◉Current
The flow of electricity through a circuit.
The device needs a higher current to operate.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 05, 2023
◉Current
Widely accepted or prevalent at a specific time.
The current fashion trend favors minimalism.
Levi
Sep 05, 2023
Current vs. Ongoing Frequently Asked Questions
Is current related to electricity?
Yes, in one context, current refers to the flow of electricity.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 27, 2024
How does ongoing differ from current?
Ongoing indicates a continuation over time, while current focuses on the immediate now.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 27, 2024
Is ongoing always used for long-term events?
Mostly, but context matters. Ongoing generally indicates something that continues over a span.
Nolan
Feb 27, 2024
What does current mean?
Current refers to something that is happening now or is of the present time.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 27, 2024
Would "ongoing present" be a correct phrase?
It would be redundant. Ongoing already indicates a continuing present situation.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 27, 2024
What does ongoing emphasize?
Ongoing emphasizes the duration and continuation of an event or state.
Nolan
Feb 27, 2024
Can ongoing mean never-ending?
Not necessarily. While ongoing suggests duration, it doesn’t mean the event will never end.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 27, 2024
Can something be both current and ongoing?
Yes, a project can be both current (happening now) and ongoing (lasting for an extended period).
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 27, 2024
Does current always indicate a short duration?
No, current just focuses on the immediate present. Duration isn’t always implied.
Lucas
Feb 27, 2024
Can we say "current trends" and "ongoing trends" interchangeably?
Not always. "Current trends" means trends of the present time, while "ongoing trends" suggests trends that have persisted.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 27, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
