The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word CAREWORN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
C
A
R
E
W
O
R
N
More clues leading to the result CAREWORN
- Worrying about noise recurring in Alcatraz, say
- Tired vehicle owner crashed
- Oarsman returned in vessel, showing distress
- Oarsman overturned in vessel is in distress
- Haggard’s mind showing the effects of age
- Haggard oarsman going north in vessel
- Vehicle owner troubled, showing anxiety
- Capsized oarsman in vessel is in distress
- Anxious to consume cereal, the Reverend said
- Vehicle owner terribly stressed
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "showing distress" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case showing distress = careworn.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 CAREWORN mean?
CAREWORN adjective- Worn down by cares: showing the signs of long-term stress, tired and haggard due to prolonged worry.