French are looking less well, slipping back in this? (7)
I believe the answer is:
relapse
This might be a double definition.
'french are looking' is the first definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'less well slipping back in this?' is the second definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for relapse that I've seen before include "Regress, fall back" , "Medical setback" , "Decline" , "Get worse again" , "Deteriorate in health" .)