Like something that may be first, second or third, without one negative comment (9)
I believe the answer is:
aspersion
'one negative comment' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'like something that may be first second or third without' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'like' could be 'as' and 'as' is present in the answer.
'something' could be 'er' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'er' is found within the answer.
'first' could be 'i' (I in Roman numerals eg Elizabeth I) and 'i' is found in the answer.
'second' could be 's' (common abbreviation) and 's' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'pon' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for aspersion that I've seen before include "Defamatory suggestion" , "Attack on the character" , "Slander" , "No praises given to the act of defaming 99)" , "Malicious remark" .)