Crossword Genius

Problem bringing dryness? Doctor has nothing, not initially (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

drought

'problem bringing dryness?' is the definition.
(lack of water)

'doctor has nothing not initially' is the wordplay.
'doctor' becomes 'Dr' (abbreviation).
'has' says to put letters next to each other.
'nothing' becomes 'nought' (synonyms).
'not initially' means to remove the first letter.
'nought' with its initial letter taken off is 'ought'.
'dr'+'ought'='DROUGHT'

(Other definitions for drought that I've seen before include "Lack of rain" , "Prolonged shortage of rain" , "Lack of rainfall" , "Aridity" , "Prolonged dry period" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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