adverb
Common
underway
uhn-duh-WAY
Underway (adverb) means In progress or already started. Example: “The search for a new head teacher is already underway.”
adverb
1
In progress or already started.
"The search for a new head teacher is already underway."
"Construction on the new bridge is now underway."
"Talks between the two companies are already underway."
How to use underway
Learner’s notesIn 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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like underway.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- underways
- Comparative
- more underway
- Superlative
- most underway
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The search for a new head teacher is already _____.
Etymology
A calque of the Dutch onderweg ("on the way"), formed from under- plus way.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include underway:
