underway
underway Lexical Profile
underway Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Having started and currently in progress; actively happening or being done.
"Preparations for the annual science symposium are already well underway."
Moving through the water and not at anchor, moored, or aground (especially of a ship or boat).
"The ferry was finally underway after a brief delay at the harbor."
• adverb
Into operation or motion; while in progress or moving.
"The expedition got underway early in the morning before the heat became intense."
Word Nuance & Usage
Traditionally written as two words ("under way") in strict nautical contexts or when functioning as a predicative phrase after a linking verb, though the solid form "underway" is now widely accepted across all positions in contemporary English.
• Rhymes for underway
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Originated in the 18th century as the nautical phrase "under way" (influenced by Dutch "onderweg"), referring to a vessel that has weighed anchor and begun moving through the water.