Crossword Genius

Weakened, has performed, holding instrument (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

diluted

'weakened' is the definition.
(diluting is a kind of weakening)

'performed holding instrument' is the wordplay.
'performed' becomes 'did' ('do' can be a synonym of 'perform').
'holding' indicates putting letters inside.
'instrument' becomes 'lute' (lute is a kind of instrument).
'did' enclosing 'lute' is 'DILUTED'.

'has' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for diluted that I've seen before include "Weaker" , "Watered down or attenuated." , "reduced in strength" , "Lessened the strength of a solution" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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