progressive / ongoing
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progressive
Developing, spreading, or intensifying gradually and continuously. Often used in connection with diseases or processes that worsen over time.
Es handelt sich um eine langsam fortschreitende Krankheit, die nicht heilbar ist.
It is a slowly progressive disease that cannot be cured.
ongoing / advancing
Moving forward in space or time; in progress.
Bei fortschreitender Dämmerung wurde es immer schwieriger, den Weg zu erkennen.
As twilight advanced, it became increasingly difficult to recognize the path.
'Fortschreitend' (progressive/ongoing) is the present participle of the separable verb 'fortschreiten' (to progress/advance) (fort + schreiten). It literally means 'stepping forward' and describes a process that develops continuously.
Die fortschreitende Digitalisierung verändert unsere Arbeitswelt.
Ongoing digitalization is changing our working world.
The word 'fortschreitend' (progressive/ongoing) belongs more to written language or to a formal, factual style. It is often used in reports, academic texts, or news.
Der Bericht beschreibt die fortschreitende Zerstörung des Regenwaldes.
The report describes the ongoing destruction of the rainforest.
'Fortschreitend' (progressive) is especially often used in a medical context to describe diseases that worsen over time. Typical combinations are 'fortschreitende Krankheit' (progressive disease) or 'fortschreitende Demenz' (progressive dementia).
Die Forschung sucht nach Wegen, die fortschreitende Erkrankung zu verlangsamen.
Research is looking for ways to slow the progressive disease.
A very typical construction for describing the passage of time is 'bei fortschreitendem/fortschreitender + noun' (as the noun progresses/advances). This often introduces a description or a main clause.
Bei fortschreitender Dunkelheit wurde die Suche nach dem vermissten Wanderer eingestellt.
As darkness advanced, the search for the missing hiker was called off.
increasingly / waxing
When referring to a disease, zunehmend and fortschreitend can both express deterioration over time. Zunehmend emphasizes the increasing severity of a symptom, whereas fortschreitend focuses on the continued development of the overall disease process.
Die fortschreitende Krankheit verursacht bei der Patientin immer mehr Atemnot.
The progressive disease is causing the patient more and more shortness of breath.
Die Patientin leidet zunehmend unter Atemnot.
The patient is increasingly suffering from shortness of breath.
