The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word EMBATTLED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
E
M
B
A
T
T
L
E
D
More clues leading to the result EMBATTLED
- English doctor attending Bart’s last was first beset by problems
- Ladette cunningly keeps doctor engaged in controversy
- Struggling English master played like Bradman, bagging 50
- Doctor in place in Washington, first off, on day beset by difficulties
- Involved in conflict, he arranged for Wombles to interrupt section of teledrama
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "beset by problems" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case beset by problems = embattled.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 EMBATTLED mean?
EMBATTLED verb- To arrange in order of battle; to array for battle
- To prepare or arm for battle; to equip as for battle.
- To be arrayed for battle.
- To furnish with battlements; give the form of battlements to
- Subject to or troubled by battles, controversy or debates.
- Prepared or armed for battle.
- Of a wall, fortress, etc., having battlements or crenellations.
- Drawn with a line of alternating square indentations and extensions.