Lower in qualifying, I edge upwards (5)
I believe the answer is:
deign
'lower' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
'in qualifying i edge upwards' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'upwards' says the letters should be written backwards.
'ngied' is hidden within 'qualifying i edge'.
'ngied' backwards is 'DEIGN'.
(Other definitions for deign that I've seen before include "Seem supercilious" , "consent" , "Do something considered to be below one's dignity" , "Think fit" , "Lower oneself" .)