Crossword Genius

Vast financial deficit in output from colliery (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

colossal

'vast' is the definition.
(I know that vast can be written as colossal)

'financial deficit in output from colliery' is the wordplay.
'financial deficit' becomes 'loss' (as in making a loss).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'output from colliery' becomes 'coal' (a colliery produces coal).
'loss' inserted into 'coal' is 'COLOSSAL'.

(Other definitions for colossal that I've seen before include "Stupendous" , "Enormous, gigantic" , "Giant" , "Great" , "Huge, vast" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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