Barely, if at all, certain to kill (5)

I believe the answer is:

fatal

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'certain to kill' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'barely if at all' is the wordplay.
'FATAL' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I'm not sure how the hidden word is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for fatal that I've seen before include "Mortal" , "Leading to disaster" , "Bringing death" , "Bringing ruin" , "making one late" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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