Work party with number initially being neglected (3-4)

I believe the answer is:

run-down

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'being neglected' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'work party with number initially' is the wordplay.
'work' becomes 'run' (both can mean to operate something).
'party' becomes 'do' (do can informally mean a party).
'with' becomes 'w' (short for with).
'number initially' becomes 'n' (n can represent any number. I am not sure about the 'initially' bit.).
'run'+'do'+'w'+'n'='RUN-DOWN'

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(Other definitions for run-down that I've seen before include "In a neglected state" , "Tired - unwell" , "Exhausted" , "Worn-out" , "Dilapidated" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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