What do atoms do to increase electronegativity?

Atoms increase their electronegativity by enhancing their ability to attract electrons in a chemical bond. This typically occurs as the atomic number increases, resulting in a greater positive charge in the nucleus that can pull electrons closer. Additionally, atoms with fewer electron shells can exhibit higher electronegativity due to reduced electron shielding, allowing the nucleus to exert a stronger pull on bonding electrons. Elements such as fluorine and oxygen showcase this trend, as they have high electronegativities due to their effective nuclear charge and electron configuration.