VocabularyBasePractice words

Meaning & use

addressing

verb·Academic

Last updated

UK/əˈdresɪŋ/
US/əˈdresɪŋ/

“addressing” is a form of “address”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. verbtransitive

    Dealing with a problem, question, or issue.

    Grammar: Takes an object: address a problem. The -ing form 'addressing' is often used after prepositions or as a gerund.

    Patterns

    • addressing a problem
    • addressing an issue
    • addressing concerns

    The report focuses on addressing the city's housing shortage.

    We are addressing the complaints from customers one by one.

    Addressing climate change requires international cooperation.

  2. verbtransitive

    Speaking to someone, especially in a formal way.

    Grammar: Takes a person as object: address the audience. Often used with 'as' to show how someone is spoken to.

    Patterns

    • addressing an audience
    • addressing someone as something

    The president will be addressing the nation tonight.

    She enjoys addressing large groups of students.

    He was addressing the crowd as 'friends and neighbors'.

  3. verbtransitive

    Writing a name and address on an envelope or package.

    Grammar: Takes an object: address an envelope. The -ing form is used for the action.

    Patterns

    • addressing an envelope
    • addressing a package

    She spent the afternoon addressing wedding invitations.

    Addressing the parcel correctly will make sure it arrives.

    He is addressing the envelopes by hand.

Word forms

third person singularaddresses
past tenseaddressed
past participleaddressed
-ing formaddressing

Common combinations

addressing a problem
The new law is aimed at addressing a problem in the tax system.
addressing concerns
The manager held a meeting addressing the employees' concerns.
addressing an audience
She felt nervous addressing such a large audience.
addressing a letter
He made a mistake when addressing the letter to his friend.

Synonyms and how they differ

tackling
Similar to 'addressing' when talking about problems; 'tackling' suggests more direct, energetic action.
speaking to
A simpler way to say 'addressing' when it means talking to someone; 'addressing' sounds more formal.

Word family

address noun
Details of where someone lives or works, or a formal speech.
addressee noun
The person to whom a letter or package is addressed.

Commonly confused: addressing or address?

addressing vs address

'Address' can be a noun (a place) or a verb (to deal with or speak to). 'Addressing' is the -ing form of the verb, not the noun.

Practice

Choose the correct sentence.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “addressing”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.

Explore more words