Crossword Genius

Had no success in a field of activity (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

failed

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'had no success' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to change as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'a field of activity' is the wordplay.
'of activity' indicates anagramming the letters (I've seen 'activity' mean this (letters become active)).
'a'+'field'='afield'
'afield' is an anagram of 'FAILED'.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for failed that I've seen before include "Was unsuccessful, did not pass exam" , "Did not succeed, perhaps at exam" , "Didn't succeed" , "Didn't make it - not well" , "Bankrupt" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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