Obligations left one wanting special powers (9)
I believe the answer is:
abilities
'special powers' is the definition.
'abilities' can be an answer for 'powers' ('ability' can be a synonym of 'power'). I am unsure of the 'special' bit.
'obligations left one wanting' is the wordplay.
'obligations' becomes 'liabilities' ('liability' can be a synonym of 'obligation').
'left one' becomes 'li' (left abbreviation plus 1).
'wanting' is a deletion indicator (to want something can mean to lack it or need it).
'liabilities' with 'li' taken away is 'ABILITIES'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for abilities that I've seen before include "The powers to do" , "Talents" , "skills" .)