The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word STRAPLESS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
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More clues leading to the result STRAPLESS
- Off-the-shoulder end of Teeswater held by wire fastener beside ship
- Consumed by anxiety, pal unfortunately lacking support
- Worry about itinerant pal lacking support
- Cut down on corporal punishment
- Sort of dress said to restrain a disciplinarian
- Backward regions taking off, though lacking some support
- Such a bra unable to catch on back of mistress?
- Characters from the east younger, and with no visible means of support
- Parts falling off lowlier sort of beachwear
- Minus parts going back up front!
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "lacking some support /lacking some support" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case lacking some support /lacking some support = strapless.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 STRAPLESS mean?
STRAPLESS adjective- Without a strap or straps; usually describing women's clothing without shoulder straps.