Crossword Genius

Failing to become a deputy (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

vice

This clue is a double definition.

'failing' is the first definition.
(vice can mean a moral failing)

'a deputy' is the second definition.
(as in vice-president)

'to become' is the link.

(Other definitions for vice that I've seen before include "Sin; weakness" , "Moral weakness" , "Prefix for deputy to, say, chairman" , "Gripper - in place of - immorality" , "Is the gripping tool evil?" .)

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