Cryptic crossword clue
Waste matter and energy, lacking refinement 5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word CRUDE

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
C
R
U
D
E


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The straight part
We know that "lacking refinement" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case lacking refinement = crude.
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 CRUDE mean?

CRUDE noun
  1. Any substance in its natural state.
  2. Crude oil.
CRUDE adjective
  1. In a natural, untreated state.
  2. Characterized by simplicity, especially something not carefully or expertly made.
  3. Lacking concealing elements.
  4. Lacking tact or taste.
  5. Immature or unripe.
  6. (grammar) Pertaining to the uninflected stem of a word.

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