The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word RECESSION
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
R
E
C
E
S
S
I
O
N
More clues leading to the result RECESSION
- Rest of MPs no one backs, leading to decline
- Decline bodyguard as stand-in for personal trainer in reception
- Crises one somehow managed in economic decline
- So sincere about a big financial problem
- No rises unfortunately around European Community — in this?
- Temporary decline in trade rose since restructuring
- … which is this, technically a downturn
- Decline time off, one's working
- Overtax — no one can grow, this is the result
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "in this?" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case in this? = recession.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 RECESSION mean?
RECESSION noun- The act or an instance of receding or withdrawing.
- A period of reduced economic activity
- The ceremonial filing out of clergy and/or choir at the end of a church service.
- The act of ceding something back.