Crossword Genius

Careless agent retaining cut (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sloppy

'careless' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'agent retaining cut' is the wordplay.
'agent' becomes 'spy' (spy is a kind of agent).
'retaining' is an insertion indicator (inserted letters are held or retained).
'cut' becomes 'lop' (lopping is a kind of cutting).
'spy' placed around 'lop' is 'SLOPPY'.

(Other definitions for sloppy that I've seen before include "Slipshod" , "Romantic" , "Excessively casual" , "Runny" , "Careless and messy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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