Both phrases are correct, but they are not always interchangeable. “In progress” is the standard choice when something has started and is moving toward completion, such as a meeting, a repair, or a project. “In process” is used mainly in business, accounting, and paperwork settings, where something is going through a set procedure.
If you are unsure, use “in progress.” It fits almost every everyday situation and sounds natural to American readers. Use “in process” when you mean a formal series of steps, like an application being reviewed or goods moving through a factory. The choice depends on context, not on one being right and the other wrong.
Quick Answer: In Process or In Progress?
Here is the short version for readers who want the answer right away.
- In progress: means something has begun and is not finished yet.
- In process: means something is going through a defined procedure or workflow.
- Safe default: choose “in progress” in general writing, signs, and conversation.
- Special case: “work in process” is the standard accounting term in the United States.
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In Progress Meaning
“In progress” describes something that is happening right now or has started but is not yet done. It focuses on movement and the current stage of an activity. Think of it as a snapshot of something that is underway.
The word “progress” comes from the Latin progressus, from progredi, which means “to go forward.” That sense of forward movement is still part of the phrase today.
Examples:
- The renovation is still in progress.
- Please be quiet. An exam is in progress.
Where You See “In Progress”
The phrase appears in many everyday places:
- Signs such as “Meeting in progress,” “Testing in progress,” and “Recording in progress”
- Task apps and project boards, where “In Progress” is a common status label
- Everyday speech about projects, games, repairs, and events
On project tools, the label usually means someone has started the task but has not finished it. Exact wording differs by company and software, so check how your own system defines each status.
In Process Meaning
“In process” means something is going through a series of steps. It often suggests a formal system, a pipeline, or an official procedure. The focus is on the procedure, not just on the fact that something has started.
The word “process” comes from the Latin processus, from procedere, “to go forward” or “to proceed.” It reached English through Old French. Both words share the same Latin idea of moving forward, which is part of why they get mixed up.
Examples:
- Your passport application is in process.
- The order is in process and will ship soon.
Where You See “In Process”
“In process” is most common in these settings:
- Government and legal paperwork
- Customer service and order handling
- Manufacturing and quality control
- Accounting and inventory management
Customer service teams often use it to tell people their request is being handled. It sounds more official than “in progress.”
In Process vs In Progress: The Difference
The two phrases overlap, but each has a different emphasis. This table shows the main points.
| Point | In Progress | In Process |
| Core idea | Started, not finished | Going through steps or a procedure |
| Tone | General, everyday | Formal, business, administrative |
| Common use | Meetings, projects, events, tasks | Applications, orders, inventory, paperwork |
| Typical sign | “Exam in progress” | Rarely used on signs |
| Safe in any context? | Usually yes | Not always |
A simple test can help. If you are describing an activity happening right now, use “in progress.” If you are describing an item moving through a system, “in process” often fits better.
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Is It “Work in Process” or “Work in Progress”?
This question causes the most confusion. The answer depends on the field and the country.
| Term | Where It Is Used | Meaning |
| Work in process | Accounting and manufacturing, especially in the US | Partly finished goods still moving through production |
| Work in progress | General use, creative projects, and some UK and international accounting | Any unfinished work |
In US accounting, “work in process” is the usual term for goods that are partly made but not yet finished. It is abbreviated as WIP, and you will see it in the phrase “work in process inventory.” Outside the US, “work in progress” is common in accounting too, and international standards often use that wording.
In everyday language, “work in progress” is the more familiar phrase. A writer might call a novel a work in progress. A designer might say the same about a sketch. In these cases, “work in process” would sound odd.
💡 Tip: The abbreviation WIP works for both phrases. If you write for an accounting audience in the US, spell out “work in process.” For any other audience, “work in progress” is usually fine.
Meaning of “In Process” and “In Progress” on Workday
Many people search for these phrases because they see them as status labels on Workday. Workday is software used for human resources and finance tasks. A status like “In Progress” generally means a task or business process has started but is not complete.
Labels can vary by organization, since companies can configure their own workflows. If you are unsure what a status means, check your company’s help page or ask your HR or finance team. That is more reliable than guessing from the label alone.
Which Sounds Better?
Most native speakers reach for “in progress” first. It is shorter in feel, more natural in speech, and works in more situations. “In process” can sound stiff in casual conversation.
That said, “in process” is not wrong. In the right setting, it sounds precise and professional. A manager reading “Your refund is in process” will not blink.
Common Mistakes
❌ Incorrect: The meeting is in process. Please do not enter.
✅ Correct: The meeting is in progress. Please do not enter.
Why: A meeting is an activity that has started, so “in progress” is the natural fit.
❌ Incorrect: Our company reports work in progress inventory under US GAAP terminology.
✅ Correct: Our company reports work in process inventory.
Why: “Work in process” is the common US accounting term. Some companies do use “progress,” but “process” is the standard wording in textbooks and most US financial statements.
❌ Incorrect: The project is in the process.
✅ Correct: The project is in process. Or: The project is in the process of being approved.
Why: “In the process of” needs an object, such as a verb ending in ing. Without one, the sentence feels unfinished.
“In Process” vs “In the Process Of”
These are different. “In process” is a short status phrase. “In the process of” is a longer phrase that is followed by an action.
- In process: The shipment is in process.
- In the process of: We are in the process of moving to a new office.
Do not swap them. “In the process of” always needs something to follow it.
How to Pronounce “In Process” and “In Progress”
Both words are stressed on the first syllable when used as nouns, and both begin with the same “pro” sound in American English.
| Word | American Pronunciation | Simple Guide |
| Process | /ˈprɑːsɛs/ | PRAH ses |
| Progress (noun) | /ˈprɑːɡrɛs/ | PRAH gres |
| Progress (verb) | /prəˈɡrɛs/ | pruh GRES |
British English often says the first vowel differently, like “PROH ses” and “PROH gres.” In the phrase “in progress,” the word is a noun, so the stress falls on the first syllable.
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Related Words and Synonyms
These words can replace the phrases in some contexts, but each has its own shade of meaning.
| Word or Phrase | Meaning | Best Used When |
| Underway | Has started and is continuing | Talking about events or projects |
| Ongoing | Continuing without a set end | Something that keeps happening |
| Pending | Waiting for action or a decision | Nothing has been done yet |
| Being processed | Currently handled in a system | Orders, payments, applications |
| Under way | Same as underway, two-word form | Formal writing |
⚠️ Common mistake: “Pending” is not the same as “in progress.” Pending usually means work has not started. In progress means it has.
In Progress Icons, Emoji, and Signs
Signs and icons often use the phrase “in progress” to warn people or show a status. You will see “Testing in progress,” “Meeting in progress,” and “Construction in progress” in workplaces and public spaces. They tell people that an activity is underway and may need quiet or caution.
In apps and on websites, an in-progress status is often shown with a spinner, an hourglass, or circular arrows. Emoji such as 🚧 (construction) and ⏳ (hourglass) are commonly used informally to suggest something is being worked on. There is no single official emoji for the phrase, so people choose what fits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it “in process” or “in progress”?
Both are correct. “In progress” is more common and works almost everywhere. “In process” suits formal, business, or procedural contexts.
Do you say “in process” or “in progress” for a meeting?
Say “in progress.” A meeting is an activity that has started and has not ended.
Is “work in process” correct?
Yes. It is the standard term in US accounting for partly finished goods in production.
Is “work in progress” also correct?
Yes. It is widely used in general English and in some international accounting standards.
What does “in progress” mean?
It means something has started and is not yet finished.
What does “in process” mean?
It means something is going through the steps of a procedure or system.
What is the difference between “in process” and “in progress”?
“In progress” stresses that something is underway. “In process” stresses that it is moving through a defined procedure.
Is it better to say “in process” or “in progress”?
For most writing and speech, “in progress” is the better choice. Use “in process” when the context is formal or procedural.
What does “in progress” mean on Workday?
It generally means a task or business process has started and is not finished. Labels can vary by company, so check your organization’s guidance.
Can I use “in process” for an order or application?
Yes. This is one of its most natural uses.
Conclusion
“In progress” and “in process” are both correct English, but they carry different shades of meaning. “In progress” describes something that has started and is moving toward completion. “In process” describes something moving through a set procedure, and it is common in business, accounting, and official paperwork.
When you are not sure which to use, pick “in progress.” It sounds natural in most settings, from meeting signs to project updates. Save “in process” for formal workflows and for the accounting term “work in process,” and you will rarely go wrong.
Danish Raza is the author of Grammavio, a trusted resource for simple and easy-to-understand English grammar guides. He creates helpful content covering grammar rules, word meanings, vocabulary, and common grammar mistakes to help readers improve their English skills.
