Simple task starts poorly nevertheless (5)
I believe the answer is:
still
'nevertheless' is the definition.
(I know that nevertheless can be written as still)
'simple task starts poorly' is the wordplay.
'starts' says to take the initial letters.
'poorly' becomes 'ill' (similar in meaning).
The first letters of 'simple task' is 'st'.
'st'+'ill'='STILL'
(Other definitions for still that I've seen before include "Immobile" , "Yet; not moving" , "inaudible" , "Snap" , "Source of alcohol" .)