Crossword Genius

Large depreciation in fuel (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

colossal

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'large' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'depreciation in fuel' is the wordplay.
'depreciation' becomes 'loss' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'fuel' becomes 'coal' (coal is a kind of fuel).
'loss' inserted into 'coal' is 'COLOSSAL'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for colossal that I've seen before include "Great" , "Jumbo" , "Massive" , "Mammoth" , "Stupendous" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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