Crossword Genius

Lack of excellent treatment (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

defect

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

'excellent treatment' is the wordplay.
'excellent' becomes 'def' (old-fashioned term for excellent).
'treatment' becomes 'ect' (ECT is an example).
'def'+'ect'='DEFECT'

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for defect that I've seen before include "Flaw - change sides" , "Transfer allegiance to opposition" , "mistake" , "Go over to the enemy - it's a flaw" , "Fault - default" .)

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