Figure to get a zero mark (5)
I believe the answer is:
oscar
'figure' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?
'get a zero mark' is the wordplay.
'get' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'a zero' becomes 'o'.
'mark' becomes 'scar' ('scar' can be a synonym of 'mark'**).
'o' put next to 'scar' is 'OSCAR'.
'to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for oscar that I've seen before include "Man" , "The familiar Mr Wilde, playwright" , "letter read out on radio" , "Title of Hollywood Academy award" , "Film prize" .)