The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word WORSENED
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
W
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R
S
E
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D
More clues leading to the result WORSENED
Buddy explains!

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 WORSENED mean?
WORSENED verb- To make worse; to impair.
- To become worse; to get worse.
- To get the better of; to worst.