Female poorly making jam (4)
I believe the answer is:
fill
'jam' is the definition.
('fill' can be a synonym of 'jam')
'female poorly' is the wordplay.
'female' becomes 'f' (abbreviation).
'poorly' becomes 'ill' ('ill' can be a synonym of 'poorly').
'f'+'ill'='FILL'
'making' is the link.
(Other definitions for fill that I've seen before include "Occupy the whole of" , "Be suitable - . . . . the bill" , "` `Work expands to .... the time available' '" , "Repair tooth" , "Satisfy (a need)" .)