Spell shape incorrectly (5)
I believe the answer is:
phase
'spell' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both states of affairs as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?
'shape incorrectly' is the wordplay.
'incorrectly' indicates an anagram (I've seen this in other clues).
'shape' is an anagram of 'PHASE'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for phase that I've seen before include "Shape (anag.)" , "Aspect of moon" , "Distinct period in development" , "Any distinct time period" , "stage in process of development" .)