A sorry state, but showing promise (6)
I believe the answer is:
plight
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'a sorry state' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'promise' is the second definition.
(I know that plight is a more specific form of the action promise)
'but showing' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for plight that I've seen before include "State" , "Alarming predicament" , "Dangerous or difficult situation" , "Predicament, difficulty" , "A serious or difficult situation" .)