Another way to say “work in progress” includes in development, under construction, in the works, still being developed, ongoing project, unfinished project, in progress, being worked on, a developing project, and a work underway. The best choice depends on whether you want a professional, casual, formal, or straightforward tone.
Key Takeaways
- “Work in progress” describes something that is not finished but is actively being developed or improved.
- In development works well for professional and business settings.
- In the works sounds natural and conversational.
- Under construction fits websites, buildings, systems, and other projects being built or updated.
- Choose an alternative based on your audience, context, and desired tone.
“Work in progress” is a common phrase for something that is not finished yet but is still being worked on. It can describe a project, document, website, skill, creative idea, or personal goal.
Sometimes, repeating “work in progress” can make your writing sound predictable. Using a suitable alternative can make your message more precise while showing whether something is being developed, updated, improved, or simply not finished.
What Does “Another Way to Say Work in Progress” Mean?
“Work in progress” refers to something that is currently being created, developed, improved, or completed. It tells the reader that the final version is not ready yet.
For example, you might describe a new website as a “work in progress” while its pages are still being designed. You could also use the phrase for a report that is being edited or a personal skill that you are continuing to improve.
The expression is common in professional communication, project management, education, creative work, technology, construction, and everyday conversation.
The right alternative depends on what you are describing. A business proposal may be “in development,” while a website may be “under construction.”
Why Use Other Ways to Say “Work in Progress”?
Using different expressions can make your writing clearer and more natural. Instead of using the same phrase repeatedly, you can choose wording that explains what is actually happening.
Other benefits include:
- Avoiding repetition: Keep your writing varied and engaging.
- Improving clarity: Show whether something is being built, edited, or developed.
- Matching the situation: Choose professional, formal, casual, or friendly wording.
- Sounding more natural: Use expressions that fit everyday American English.
- Being more specific: Tell readers what stage a project has reached.
10 Best Other Ways to Say “Work in Progress”
1. In Development
Meaning
“In development” means something is currently being created, designed, tested, or improved. It is especially useful when discussing products, software, services, websites, or business projects.
Best For
- Professional
- Formal
Example 1
The new customer portal is still in development, so some features are not available yet.
Example 2
Our team has several training programs in development for next year.
Quick Tip
Use “in development” when you want to emphasize the creation or improvement process rather than simply saying something is unfinished.
2. In the Works
Meaning
“In the works” is a natural and conversational way to say that something is being planned or developed. It often suggests that people are actively working toward completing it.
Best For
- Casual
- Friendly
- Professional
Example 1
We have a new employee wellness program in the works.
Example 2
There is a revised version of the handbook in the works.
Quick Tip
Choose “in the works” when you want your writing to sound relaxed and approachable.
3. Under Construction
Meaning
“Under construction” means something is currently being built, changed, or renovated. It is commonly used for websites, buildings, online pages, and digital platforms.
Best For
- Professional
- Formal
Example 1
The company website is currently under construction while we update its design.
Example 2
The new community center is under construction and should open next summer.
Quick Tip
Use this phrase when something is physically or digitally being built or significantly redesigned.
4. Ongoing Project
Meaning
“An ongoing project” describes a project that has started but has not yet reached completion. The phrase emphasizes that the work continues over time.
Best For
- Professional
- Formal
Example 1
Improving customer support is an ongoing project for our department.
Example 2
The research team considers the survey analysis an ongoing project.
Quick Tip
This phrase works particularly well in reports, presentations, workplace updates, and project documentation.
5. Still Being Developed
Meaning
“Still being developed” clearly explains that something is not complete because people are continuing to create or improve it. It is straightforward and easy to understand.
Best For
- Professional
- Formal
- Polite
Example 1
The mobile application is still being developed, so the release date may change.
Example 2
The new curriculum is still being developed by the education team.
Quick Tip
Use this option when clarity matters more than style, especially when your audience may not understand informal expressions.
6. In Progress
Meaning
“In progress” means an activity or task has started and is currently happening. It is a simple, direct alternative when the context already makes the meaning clear.
Best For
- Professional
- Formal
- Casual
Example 1
The final review is in progress, and we expect to finish it this afternoon.
Example 2
The website migration is in progress, so users may notice temporary changes.
Quick Tip
“In progress” is especially useful for status updates, dashboards, reports, and workplace communication.
7. Being Worked On
Meaning
“Being worked on” means someone is actively spending time and effort on something. It has a simple, conversational style and focuses on the action taking place.
Best For
- Casual
- Friendly
- Polite
Example 1
Your request is being worked on, and we will send an update soon.
Example 2
The presentation is being worked on before tomorrow’s meeting.
Quick Tip
This phrase is useful when you want to reassure someone that an unfinished task has not been forgotten.
8. Unfinished Project
Meaning
“Unfinished project” directly describes a project that has not reached completion. Unlike some alternatives, it focuses on the current incomplete state rather than the development process.
Best For
- Casual
- Professional
- Formal
Example 1
The garage renovation started last year but remains an unfinished project.
Example 2
She returned to an unfinished project and completed the final design.
Quick Tip
Use this phrase carefully because “unfinished” can sound more negative than “in development” or “ongoing.”
9. A Project Underway
Meaning
“A project underway” means that work has already started and is continuing. It communicates progress without suggesting that the project is delayed or incomplete in a negative way.
Best For
- Professional
- Formal
Example 1
The company has a project underway to improve its internal communication system.
Example 2
There is a major renovation project underway at the local library.
Quick Tip
This phrase works well in business reports, news-style writing, announcements, and formal updates.
10. Still Taking Shape
Meaning
“Still taking shape” suggests that an idea, plan, project, or creation is gradually becoming more complete. It has a softer and more expressive tone than simply calling something unfinished.
Best For
- Friendly
- Warm
- Casual
Example 1
Our plans for the family reunion are still taking shape.
Example 2
The final design is still taking shape as we review customer feedback.
Quick Tip
Choose this expression when you want to emphasize gradual development without making the unfinished status sound negative.
Comparison Table
| Alternative | Best Used In | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| In development | Business, technology, projects | Professional |
| In the works | Everyday updates, conversations | Casual |
| Under construction | Websites, buildings, renovations | Professional |
| Ongoing project | Reports, workplaces, planning | Formal |
| Still being developed | Business, education, technology | Professional |
| In progress | Status updates, tasks, reports | Neutral |
| Being worked on | Customer service, everyday communication | Friendly |
| Unfinished project | Personal projects, direct descriptions | Direct |
| A project underway | Reports, announcements, formal writing | Formal |
| Still taking shape | Ideas, plans, creative projects | Warm |
Common Mistakes
1. Using Casual Phrases in Professional Emails
Expressions such as “in the works” can sound too relaxed for certain formal messages. For business reports or official updates, “in development” or “in progress” may communicate the status more clearly.
2. Choosing Overly Formal Language
Not every situation requires formal wording. Saying “a project underway” in a casual conversation may sound unnecessarily stiff when “in the works” would feel more natural.
3. Repeating the Same Phrase
Using “work in progress” several times in one article, report, or email can become repetitive. Select alternatives based on the specific meaning you want to communicate.
4. Forgetting Context
Not every alternative means exactly the same thing. “Under construction” suggests something is being built or redesigned, while “still taking shape” often describes an idea or plan.
5. Making an Unfinished Task Sound Negative
Words such as “unfinished” can sometimes suggest a problem or failure. If the work is progressing normally, phrases such as “in development” or “in progress” may create a more neutral impression.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most professional way to say “work in progress”?
“In development” is one of the most useful professional alternatives to “work in progress.” It works especially well for products, software, websites, business initiatives, and other projects that are actively being created or improved. For a general task update, “in progress” is another clear and professional choice.
What is a casual way to say “work in progress”?
“In the works” is a natural casual alternative. It tells people that something is being planned, created, or developed without sounding overly formal. For example, you could say, “We have a new project in the works” when speaking with coworkers, friends, or other people in an informal setting.
Can I say “in progress” instead of “work in progress”?
Yes. “In progress” is a shorter alternative that works well when the context is already clear. For example, “The review is in progress” tells the reader that the review has started but is not finished. It is particularly common in workplace updates, software interfaces, reports, and project tracking.
Is “under construction” the same as “work in progress”?
Not always. “Under construction” usually suggests that something is being physically built or substantially redesigned, although it is also common for websites. “Work in progress” has a broader meaning and can describe almost anything that is still being created, improved, or completed.
How do I say “work in progress” on a resume?
On a resume, use a more specific phrase based on what you are describing. “Currently developing,” “ongoing project,” or “project underway” can work well when describing professional experience. Instead of simply saying something is a work in progress, explain what you are doing and, when possible, mention measurable progress.
What is a positive way to say “work in progress”?
“Still taking shape” can sound positive because it emphasizes development rather than incompleteness. “In development” and “progressing” can also work when you want to communicate that a project is moving forward. The best choice depends on whether you are describing an idea, project, product, or personal goal.
What is another way to say “work in progress” in an email?
For a professional email, “in progress,” “in development,” “currently being worked on,” or “ongoing” can work well. Choose the phrase based on the situation. For example, “The requested update is currently being worked on” provides a clear and reassuring status update.
What is a better phrase than “unfinished work”?
A more positive or neutral alternative may be “work in progress,” “in development,” “ongoing project,” or “still taking shape.” “Unfinished work” focuses on the lack of completion, while these alternatives can emphasize continued effort and development. Choose the wording that accurately reflects the project’s current stage.
Conclusion
There are many natural ways to say “work in progress,” and the best choice depends on your context. You can learn more about the meaning of work in progress before choosing the most suitable alternative.
For websites or buildings, under construction is more specific. If you are writing a report, ongoing project or a project underway can provide a polished tone.
For simple status updates, in progress is clear and direct. If you want a warmer expression, still taking shape can describe an evolving idea without making it sound incomplete in a negative way.
The key is to choose an alternative that accurately describes what is happening. A precise phrase can make your email, report, article, or conversation sound more natural and professional.
Editorial contributors help develop practical English-language resources covering vocabulary, expressions, synonyms, and writing. Contributions focus on clear explanations, useful examples, and context so readers can understand not only what a phrase means, but when and how to use it naturally.
