English Reference
verb · adjective

addressed

v. · adj.
US /əˈdɹɛst/ UK /ɐdɹˈɛst/ ad·dressed

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    v.to have dealt with or thought about a difficult situation.

    v.to have directed one's attention or efforts towards a specific problem or task. Transitive; requires a direct object.

    Simple

    The manager addressed the staff's concerns about the new schedule during the meeting.

    In context

    The report specifically addressed the systemic failures that led to the budget deficit, proposing several structural reforms.

    Usage

    Often used in professional or academic contexts to describe problem-solving.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    v.to have spoken to a person or a group of people in a formal way.

    v.to have delivered a formal speech or directed a communication to a specific recipient.

    Simple

    The president addressed the nation on television last night.

    In context

    The keynote speaker addressed the assembly, focusing on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in modern medicine.

    spoke tolectured
  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    v.to have written a name and address on an envelope or package.

    v.to have inscribed a destination or recipient's details on a piece of mail.

    Simple

    She addressed the envelope and put a stamp in the corner.

    In context

    The package was clearly addressed to the main office, yet it was mistakenly delivered to the warehouse down the street.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describes a letter or package that has a destination written on it.

    adj.bearing a specific destination or recipient's name; often used in the phrase 'self-addressed'.

    Simple

    Please send your application in a stamped, addressed envelope.

    In context

    The detective found an addressed but unposted letter lying on the hallway floor near the entrance.

    unaddressed

Mullen said he spoke with Cooper on Saturday evening and was told that poor conditions aboard the Lincoln had been addressed.

The Guardian· 16 Aug 2026

Hollinrake addressed Banks on social media on Sunday, saying: “When you can’t answer the questions, investigate the people asking them.

The Guardian· 16 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated