Fired for pronounced odour (4)
I believe the answer is:
sent
'fired' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to competing as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'pronounced odour' is the wordplay.
'pronounced' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'odour' becomes 'scent' (scent is a kind of odour).
'scent' sounds like 'SENT'.
'for' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sent that I've seen before include "Shipped" , "Thrilled" , "Despatched" , "Caused to go somewhere" , "charged with emotion?" .)