Cryptic crossword clue
Lacking funds, you do this in hostelry, clearly gutted 10

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word INSOLVENCY

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Lacking funds" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case lacking funds = insolvency.
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 INSOLVENCY mean?

INSOLVENCY noun
  1. The condition of being insolvent; the state or condition of a person who is insolvent; the condition of one who is unable to pay his debts as they fall due, or in the usual course of trade and business.
  2. Insufficiency to discharge all debts of the owner.
  3. The condition of having more debts than assets.

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