The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word DOWNHILL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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More clues leading to the result DOWNHILL
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Inclined a certain way" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case inclined a certain way = downhill.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 DOWNHILL mean?
DOWNHILL noun- The fastest of the disciplines of alpine skiing.
- A rapid descent of a hill in related sports, especially in alpine skiing.
- To take part in downhill skiing.
- Located down a slope or hill.
- Going down a slope or a hill.
- (by extension) Easy.
- (by extension) Deteriorating, getting worse.
- Down a slope.