Crossword Genius

Sad way to refer to retiring (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pathetic

'sad' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'way to refer to retiring' is the wordplay.
'way' becomes 'path' (synonyms).
'to refer to' becomes 'cite' ('cite' can be a synonym of 'refer to').
'retiring' says the letters should be written backwards.
'cite' written backwards gives 'etic'.
'path'+'etic'='PATHETIC'

(Other definitions for pathetic that I've seen before include "Sadly inadequate" , "Hapless, miserable" , "Tip cheat - truly sad" , "Poor" , "Feeble; inspiring pity" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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