Distress of women who've lost a couple of letters (3)

I believe the answer is:

woe

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'distress' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for woe that I've seen before include "Misery, great suffering" , "Great sorrow, distress" , "Difficulty" , "Misery - tribulation" , "Misfortune" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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