Crossword Genius

Even out, late up, a disaster (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

plateau

'even out' is the definition.

'late up a disaster' is the wordplay.
'disaster' is an anagram indicator.
'late'+'up'+'a'='lateupa'
'lateupa' anagrammed gives 'PLATEAU'.

(Other definitions for plateau that I've seen before include "Table" , "Stop progressing" , "Flat-topped upland" , "one has no inclination" , "level part of range" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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