Mean to achieve a rise in amiability (3)
I believe the answer is:
aim
'mean' is the definition.
(aiming is a kind of meaning)
'a rise in amiability' is the wordplay.
'a rise' says the letters should be written backwards.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'mia' is hidden in the letters of 'amiability'.
'mia' backwards is 'AIM'.
'to achieve' is the link.
(Other definitions for aim that I've seen before include "This is mean" , "Purpose, intention" , "Purpose in directing the rifle" , "Plan" , "mission" .)