Student more inadequate taking arithmetic? (7)
I believe the answer is:
learner
'student' is the definition.
(someone who is learning)
'more inadequate taking arithmetic?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'arithmetic?' could be 'r' (one of the traditional three R's of education) and 'r' is found within the answer.
'inadequate' could be 'lean' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'lean' is found in the leftover letters.
The remaining letters 'er' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for learner that I've seen before include "He displays the L-plate" , "Acquirer of knowledge" , "One being taught" , "Disciple" , "A student or beginner" .)