Target area is missed at the outset (3)
I believe the answer is:
aim
'target' is the definition.
(both can mean a goal or purpose)
'area is missed at the outset' is the wordplay.
'at the outset' suggests taking the first letters (the outset is the beginning).
The first letters of 'area is missed' is 'AIM'.
(Other definitions for aim that I've seen before include "mission" , "Direct; intention" , "Ambition or goal" , "Goal, object" , "Try to achieve" .)