Crossword Genius

America turned dirty on a continuing basis (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sustained

'on a continuing basis' is the definition.
(as in a sustained or continued action)

'america turned dirty' is the wordplay.
'america' becomes 'US' (United States).
'turned' is a reversal indicator.
'dirty' becomes 'stained' (made dirty by a stain).
'us' written backwards gives 'su'.
'su'+'stained'='SUSTAINED'

(Other definitions for sustained that I've seen before include "Kept (something) going" , "held up" , "Long drawn-out" , "Steady" , "prolonged" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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