Crossword Genius

Classification charge possible? I'm dismayed (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

taxonomy

'classification' is the definition.
(I know that taxonomy is a type of classification)

'charge possible? i'm dismayed' is the wordplay.
'charge' becomes 'tax' (tax is a kind of charge).
'possible?' becomes 'on' ('not on' can mean unacceptable or not possible).
'i'm dismayed' becomes 'O my' (expression of dismay).
'tax'+'on'+'omy'='TAXONOMY'

(Other definitions for taxonomy that I've seen before include "The scientific process of classifying living things" , "Science of classification" , "System of classification" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.