Crossword Genius

Cruel fluctuation in profit (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lucre

'profit' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'cruel fluctuation' is the wordplay.
'fluctuation' indicates anagramming the letters.
'cruel' anagrammed gives 'LUCRE'.

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for lucre that I've seen before include "Money or wealth" , "Ulcer (anag)" , "profits" , "Archaic wealth, may be filthy" , "Ill-gotten riches" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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