Crossword Genius

Held in contempt, yet free (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

empty

'free' is the definition.
(both can mean unoccupied)

'held in contempt yet' is the wordplay.
'held in' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'EMPTY' is hidden within 'contempt yet'.

(Other definitions for empty that I've seen before include "Cleared out" , "left for the milkman?" , "Void; vacant" , "Dead man" , "Evacuate" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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