Pounds given to one with potential for debt (9)
I believe the answer is:
liability
'for debt' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'pounds given to one with potential' is the wordplay.
'pounds' becomes 'L' (abbreviation e.g. Lsd - pounds, shillings, pence).
'given to' says to put letters next to each other.
'one' becomes 'I' (Roman numeral).
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'potential' becomes 'ability' (both can mean talent).
'l'+'i'+'ability'='LIABILITY'
(Other definitions for liability that I've seen before include "Debt; drawback" , "Financial obligation" , "duty" , "Millstone" , "Hindrance" .)