underway
/ˌʌndəˈweɪ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌndərˈweɪ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-dər-ˈwā/ (ame, mw)
underway — adjective
1. if an activity, event, or process is underway, it has already started and is con
if an activity, event, or process is underway, it has already started and is continuing to happen
The construction of the new community centre is already well underway.
be + well underway for emphasis
By the time Yumi reached the office, the weekly team meeting was already underway.
be + already underway
A full investigation into the data breach is currently underway at the hospital.
Ari called to say he would arrive late because the board meeting was already underway.
- in progress
the most direct equivalent; slightly more formal
- going on
informal alternative, common in spoken English
- occurring
more neutral and detached, often used in formal reports
文法句型
be + underway
用法筆記
Predicative only — this sense never appears before a noun. You cannot say 'an underway project'; instead say 'a project that is underway.'
常見錯誤
2. having started or been put into motion — describes an event, project, or activit
having started or been put into motion — describes an event, project, or activity that has recently begun to happen
Preparations for the annual food festival got underway earlier this month.
get + underway for starting
The trial got underway promptly at nine with the judge's opening remarks.
Once the training session gets underway, all participants must switch off their phones.
Constanza's archaeological dig got underway in early spring with twelve researchers.
文法句型
get + underway
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (CURRENTLY ACTIVE): sense 2 focuses on the moment of starting, while sense 1 emphasises the ongoing state. Sense 2 typically pairs with 'get' rather than 'be.'
常見錯誤
underway — adverb
1. moving freely through water, not tied to a dock and not resting on the sea floor
moving freely through water, not tied to a dock and not resting on the sea floor — used of ships, boats, and other water vessels
The cargo ship was finally underway after a three-day delay at the port of Kaohsiung.
nautical meaning: ship in motion
With the anchor raised and the engines running, the fishing boat slowly got underway.
Before the vessel got underway, the captain ordered all crew to their stations.
A thick fog delayed the ferry, but it was safely underway by midday.
- under sail
specifically for sailing vessels; narrower scope
- afloat
means floating on water, not necessarily moving
文法句型
be/get + underway
用法筆記
This is the original nautical sense from which all other meanings of 'underway' developed. In formal maritime communication, the two-word form 'under way' is still preferred by some style guides.
2. starting to move or operate after being at rest or in a stationary position — us
starting to move or operate after being at rest or in a stationary position — used for vehicles, machines, or any physical object beginning motion
Emre pushed the bicycle forward and it slowly got underway on the gravel path.
physical movement from standstill
The old truck's engine coughed twice before the vehicle finally got underway.
After the traffic light turned green, the line of cars got smoothly underway again.
Sven released the handbrake and the old jeep slowly got underway on the muddy track.
- stationary
not moving at all
- stopped
more informal; having ceased motion
文法句型
get + underway
用法筆記
This sense applies to physical movement of vehicles and objects, not abstract events. Distinguish from sense 1 (SHIP IN MOTION) which is restricted to water vessels, and from sense 3 (HAPPENING NOW) which describes abstract activities.
3. in progress at this moment — used especially after 'get' to describe an activity
in progress at this moment — used especially after 'get' to describe an activity that has started and continues, rather than one still being planned
The concert was barely underway when the fire alarm interrupted the first song.
With the renovation now fully underway, the Wong family moved into a temporary apartment.
fully underway for thorough ongoing activity
Talia checked her notes one last time before the lecture got fully underway.
The rescue operation was barely underway when the first helicopter lifted off.
- in progress
the closest neutral equivalent; works in same sentence positions
- going on
informal, common in conversation
- finished
the activity is complete
- not started
the activity has not yet begun
文法句型
be/get + underway
用法筆記
Overlaps in meaning with adjective sense 1 (CURRENTLY ACTIVE). The distinction is grammatical: the adjective sense is predicative (The project is underway), while this adverb sense appears after 'get' or in other adverbial positions (The project got underway at noon).