Crossword Genius

A prize for waste (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

atrophy

'for waste' is the definition.
(atrophy means to waste away)

'a prize' is the wordplay.
'prize' becomes 'trophy' (synonyms).
'a'+'trophy'='ATROPHY'

(Other definitions for atrophy that I've seen before include "shrivel" , "Decay" , "Degenerate" , "wasting away" , "Become weak and thin through lack of use or nourishment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail, The Irish News and The Guardian.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.