Cryptic crossword clue
Active but folds, pierced by me, ultimately? 4-5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word SELF-DOUBT

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
S
E
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F
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D
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B
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The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does SELF-DOUBT mean?

SELF-DOUBT noun
  1. The doubting of one's own abilities.

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