adverb

underway

uhn-duh-WAY

adverb

In progress or already started.

"Construction on the new bridge is now underway."

"Talks between the two companies are already underway."

How to Use Underway

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAlready started and currently happening.

Common mistake

Usually written as one word ("underway") in general use, though "under way" as two words is still common in nautical and some formal writing.

Common pairings

already underway get underway work is underway

more underway comparative, underways plural, most underway superlative

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Construction on the new bridge is now _____.

A calque of the Dutch onderweg ("on the way"), formed from under- plus way.

ay may day say ray hay lay pay jay way yay nay