Well, electronegativity is usually defined as the ability of atoms to attract electrons. In other words, how likely is it that the protons found in the nucleus will attract our electrons in the atom? So we know as electronegativity increases. According to our definition, the atoms ability to attract electrons also increases. And generally speaking, according to our periodic trends, as we go up a group or across a period from left to right on our periodic table, the electrodegativity of the atoms increases. In other words, their ability to attract electrons increases.