Crossword Genius

Initially lit the cigar awkwardly without much spark (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lethargic

'without much spark' is the definition.
(lethargic can mean lacking in energy)

'initially lit the cigar awkwardly' is the wordplay.
'initially' indicates taking the first letters.
'awkwardly' indicates anagramming the letters.
The initial letter of 'lit' is 'l'.
'the'+'cigar'='thecigar'
'thecigar' anagrammed gives 'ethargic'.
'l'+'ethargic'='LETHARGIC'

(Other definitions for lethargic that I've seen before include "low in vitality" , "somewhat slow" , "without energy" , "The garlic (anag.)" , "lack of energy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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