The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word RIFE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
R
I
F
E
More clues leading to the result RIFE
- Extensive search through ignores luggage at first
- Abundant plunder left out
- River that is containing strong current
- Resistance providing last of vaccine for pandemic
- Taking out large gun, raging
- General‘s weapon left out
- Current hassle with street blocked off
- How fire can become widespread
- General removed tip of lath from carbine
- Fire out of control?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "pandemic" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case pandemic = rife.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 RIFE mean?
RIFE adjective- Widespread, common, prevalent, current (mainly of unpleasant or harmful things).
- Abounding; present in large numbers, plentiful.
- Full of (mostly unpleasant or harmful things).
- Having power; active; nimble.
- Plentifully, abundantly.