The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SHORTFALL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
S
H
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F
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L
More clues leading to the result SHORTFALL
- Financial problem posed by brief season
- Unexpectedly autumn leads to deficit
- Deficiency the result of extended summer?
- Brief trip leading to deficit
- Loss of order, impacted by hard season in America
- Lack forerunner of lengthy winter in New York?
- Deficit quick to come down
- Deficiency in squat, leading to collapse
- Lack of a shower?
- Loss suffered by Humpty Dumpty
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Financial problem" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case financial problem = shortfall.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 SHORTFALL mean?
SHORTFALL noun- An instance of not meeting a quota, debt, or monthly payment on a debt or other obligation, or of having an insufficient amount to cover such obligations.
- The amount by which a quota, debt, or monthly payment on a debt or other obligation is missed; the difference between the actual quota or debt and the lesser amount available to pay such obligations.