Crossword Genius

Land in base is becoming a slum? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

blighted

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'becoming a slum?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'land in base' is the wordplay.
'land' becomes 'light' (light can mean to settle or land).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'base' becomes 'bed' (both can mean the bottom of something).
'light' inserted into 'bed' is 'BLIGHTED'.

'is' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for blighted that I've seen before include "Damaged" , "Spoiled, harmed; infected" , "Withered with disease like potatoes in famine" , "Spoilt, harmed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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