work in progress

1. A piece of work, especially an artistic one, that is still incomplete. A: "Can I have a look at your manuscript?" B: "Sure, but it's still a work in progress, so don't be too harsh!" The game has been a work in progress for nearly five years, leading many to wonder whether it will ever see an official release.

2. A person who has not yet completed or reached the peak of some developmental process. We never magically reach a point where we have everything figured out. Heck, I'm nearly 60 and I still think of myself as a work in progress! The rookie quarterback is definitely a work in progress, but the coaching staff is confident in his abilities and potential.