Crossword Genius

Being bitter or sour can seem awful (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rancorous

'being bitter' is the definition.
('rancorous' can be a synonym of 'bitter')

'or sour can seem awful' is the wordplay.
'seem awful' indicates anagramming the letters (I've seen this in other clues).
'or'+'sour'+'can'='orsourcan'
'orsourcan' with letters rearranged gives 'RANCOROUS'.

(Other definitions for rancorous that I've seen before include "Acrimonious" , "Showing bitter resentment" , "Resentful, bitter" , "spiteful?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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