Crossword Genius

Damned business bigwig, highly regarded (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

execrated

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'damned business' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'bigwig highly regarded' is the wordplay.
'bigwig' becomes 'exec' (I've seen this in another clue).
'highly regarded' becomes 'rated' (I've seen this before).
'exec'+'rated'='EXECRATED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for execrated that I've seen before include "Cursed; detested" , "Condemned" .)

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.