Somewhat in a dire, extreme state of adversity (5)

I believe the answer is:

nadir

'state of adversity' is the definition.
(a nadir is something's lowest point)

'somewhat in a dire extreme' is the wordplay.
'somewhat' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'NADIR' can be found hidden inside 'in a dire extreme'.

(Other definitions for nadir that I've seen before include "extremely low position" , "It's the depths" , "Rock bottom" , "Low spot" , "Lowest point, or time of deepest depression." .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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