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I’m no native English speaker, but does “addressing” strictly have to mean fixing/solving something?

Can it be employed to mean the opposite? As in, “addressing” things for the worse?




"Addressing a problem" is viewed the same way as fixing or attempting to fix a problem. I've not heard it used to imply making a problem worse.


The word “Addressing” has a connotation in this usage context that the subject is focusing their attention on what they see as broken or deficient. The trick is that it’s relative to the subject or speaker’s point of view.


To address a problem is about intent rather than action. Usually it's an acknowledgement that a problem exists and a potential solution to that problem. You don't have to actually act on the problem or solve it just present a possible solution.

For example I could address climate change with blockchain by suggesting that people don't use bitcoin. Even if I continue to use bitcoin this could be considered addressing the problem.


No




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