Crossword Genius

Coming back unprepared for conflict (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

war

'conflict' is the definition.
(war is a kind of conflict)

'coming back unprepared' is the wordplay.
'coming back' says the letters should be written backwards.
'unprepared' becomes 'raw'.
'raw' backwards is 'WAR'.

'for' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for war that I've seen before include "Sustained conflict" , "Armed hostility" , "Fight" , "Period of hostilities" , "series of engagements" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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