Severe privation (8)
I believe the answer is:
hardship
'severe privation' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for hardship that I've seen before include "Adversity, affliction" , "Severe privation or suffering" , "Austerity - affliction" , "Adversity, grimness" , "Severe discomfort, a tough time" .)