The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word MISUSED
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
M
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S
U
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D
More clues leading to the result MISUSED
- Falsely employed female reported, that’s not new
- Half-hearted wife journalist treated badly
- Maltreated and overlooked when around University
- Brooded about one’s being exploited
- Failed to contain uranium treated incorrectly
- Treated badly, not noticed around university
- Is consumed by thought and ill-treated
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Falsely employed" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case falsely employed = misused.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 MISUSED mean?
MISUSED verb- To use (something) incorrectly.
- To abuse or mistreat (something or someone).
- To rape (a woman); later more generally, to sexually abuse (someone).
- To abuse verbally, to insult.
- Used in an incorrect or inappropriate manner.