Crossword Genius

Mostly put off about time in situ once abandoned (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

destitute

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'abandoned' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'mostly put off about time in situ' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'time' could be 'est' (EST is an example) and 'est' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'once' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for destitute that I've seen before include "Extremely poor" , "In utter want" , "Impoverished, indigent" , "Absolutely broke, without money or goods" , "Penniless, without the necessities of life" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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