Nick lived in backwardness (5)

I believe the answer is:

devil

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'backwardness' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.

'nick lived' is the wordplay.
'lived' can be anagrammed to 'DEVIL'.
Though, I'm unsure how the anagram is indicated.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for devil that I've seen before include "Powerful evil spirit" , "Unsurpassed" , "Coat spicily; do hackwork" , "Imp" , "Lived with Satan" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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