Crossword Genius

Finished among a group left behind (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abandoned

'left behind' is the definition.
(abandoning is a kind of leaving behind)

'finished among a group' is the wordplay.
'finished' becomes 'done' (both can mean completed).
'among' is an insertion indicator (inserted letters are placed among others).
'group' becomes 'band' (band can mean a group of people).
'a'+'band'='aband'
'done' going within 'aband' is 'ABANDONED'.

(Other definitions for abandoned that I've seen before include "Left - dissolute" , "Gave up - left - being completely irresponsible" , "Given up?" , "Wild" , "Deserted; uninhibited" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian and The Telegraph.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.