Crossword Genius

Standards judged to be sad, then sadder, so to speak? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

criteria

'standards judged' is the definition.
(as in judging criteria)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for criteria that I've seen before include "Standards for judging" , "Benchmarks" , "Reference points for evaluating" , "Principles for assessment" , "Standards on which to base judgements" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app