The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word REVERSAL
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
R
E
V
E
R
S
A
L
More clues leading to the result REVERSAL
- About-turn that Royal Society will expose externally
- Several switches on back of dimmer switch
- With reference to verse representation of Lear’s adverse change of fortune
- Minister and earls surprisingly backing movement
- Several transferred after QPR’s latest defeat
- Backing last couple of singers in show
- Poetry mostly seen in true defeat
- Change in fortune may be true about most of poetry
- Setback that doesn’t affect mum or dad
- Empty rows during show leading to cancellation
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "adverse change of fortune" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case adverse change of fortune = reversal.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 REVERSAL mean?
REVERSAL noun- The state of being reversed.
- An instance of reversing.
- A change in fortune; a change from being successful to having problems.
- Intended to reverse; implying reversal.