Crossword Genius

Daughter is getting behind — almost a total failure? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

disaster

'a total failure?' is the definition.
(disaster can mean a complete failure)

'daughter is getting behind almost' is the wordplay.
'daughter' becomes 'd' (genealogical abbreviation).
'getting behind almost' becomes 'aster' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'd'+'is'+'aster'='DISASTER'

(Other definitions for disaster that I've seen before include "Extreme event resulting in great loss and misfortune" , "Extreme ruin or misfortune" , "Calamity, sudden great misfortune" , "Terrible calamity" , "Star dies (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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