Crossword Genius

Make matters worse? One left out most important thing! (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

capital

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'most important thing' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'make matters worse? one left' is the wordplay.
'make matters worse?' becomes 'capita' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'one left' becomes 'L' (common abbreviation).
'capita'+'l'='CAPITAL'

'out' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for capital that I've seen before include "Money saved or invested - seat of government" , "Money available to produce interest" , "Metropolis" , "Major city - investment - excellent" , "city such as London" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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