underway
Underway (adverb) means In progress or already started. Example: “Construction on the new bridge is now underway.”
How to use underway
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAlready started and currently happening.
Usually written as one word ("underway") in general use, though "under way" as two words is still common in nautical and some formal writing.
Word forms
more underway comparative, underways plural, most underway superlative
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Can you complete this real example?
Construction on the new bridge is now _____.
Etymology
A calque of the Dutch onderweg ("on the way"), formed from under- plus way.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for underway
See all rhymes for underway →Frequently asked questions
What does “underway” mean?
The word “underway” means in progress or already started. In plain terms, already started and currently happening.
How do you pronounce “underway”?
“Underway” is pronounced uhn-duh-WAY (/ʌndəɹˈweɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “underway” in a sentence?
Here is “underway” used in a sentence: “Construction on the new bridge is now underway.”
What part of speech is “underway”?
“Underway” is an adverb.
Where does the word “underway” come from?
The word “underway” comes from Dutch. A calque of the Dutch onderweg ("on the way"), formed from under- plus way.
Is “underway” a common word?
“Underway” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "underway" and "under way"?
Both mean in progress or having started, and the one-word "underway" is now widely accepted, especially as an adjective before a noun. Some traditional style guides still prefer the two-word "under way" as an adverb, as in "the project is under way."
What is the difference between "underway" and "ongoing"?
"Underway" means something has started and is in progress, focusing on the fact that it has begun. "Ongoing" stresses that something continues over time without a clear end point, so a project can be underway now and remain ongoing for months.
What words often appear with "underway"?
"Underway" commonly follows forms of "be" and "get," as in "plans are underway" and "efforts got underway." It typically describes projects, investigations, negotiations, and events that have started but are not yet finished.
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