Crossword Genius

Haggard woman in article is very pale (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ashen

'very pale' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'haggard woman in article' is the wordplay.
'haggard woman' becomes 'she' (I've seen this in another clue).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'article' becomes 'an' (English indefinite article).
'she' placed within 'an' is 'ASHEN'.

'is' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for ashen that I've seen before include "Pale-faced" , "pasty" , "Wan, pale" , "Pale in complexion" , "Looking pale from illness" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app