Cryptic crossword clue
Lessen amount endlessly consumed around university 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word EXTENUATE

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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The straight part
We know that "Lessen" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case lessen = extenuate.
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 EXTENUATE mean?

EXTENUATE verb
  1. To lessen; to palliate; to lessen or weaken the force of; to diminish the conception of, as crime, guilt, faults, ills, accusations, etc.
  2. To make thin or slender; to draw out so as to lessen the thickness.
  3. To become thinner.
  4. To lower or degrade; to detract from.

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