Always less than severe (4)

I believe the answer is:

ever

'always' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'less than severe' is the wordplay.
'less' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (the clue less some of the letters in it).
'EVER' is hidden within 'than severe'.

(Other definitions for ever that I've seen before include "To the end of time" , "Eternity" , "At all times, always" , "Veer away endlessly" , "Continually" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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