Crossword Genius

Most severe state sure to be troublesome (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

austerest

'most severe' is the definition.

'state sure to be troublesome' is the wordplay.
'to be troublesome' indicates anagramming the letters.
'state'+'sure'='statesure'
'statesure' anagrammed gives 'AUSTEREST'.

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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