The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word RUN-DOWN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
R
U
N
-
D
O
W
N
More clues leading to the result RUN-DOWN
- In a poor state getting bad wound in the navy
- Ski slope, perhaps, makes you weak and tired
- Shabby to cancel whiskey in Royal Navy
- Why chicken didn’t cross road: exhausted
- Weary race to the bottom?
- Criticise in not-so-healthy condition
- Neglected son sent out by the king in the evening time
- Neglected animal track – sad
- Tired and sad chasing game woman ultimately
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Shabby" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case shabby = run-down.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 RUN-DOWN mean?
RUN-DOWN adjective- (of a person) Tired and exhausted.
- (of a place) Decrepit.
- (of a clockwork mechanism) Having the spring unwound.