In front but poorly aligned (7)
I believe the answer is:
leading
'in front' is the definition.
'leading' can be an answer for 'front' (I've seen this before). I am not sure about the 'in' bit.
'poorly aligned' is the wordplay.
'poorly' indicates an anagram (I've seen this in other clues).
'aligned' is an anagram of 'LEADING'.
'but' is the link.
(Other definitions for leading that I've seen before include "Foremost" , "In first place; space between lines of print" , "Aligned in front" , "In the vanguard" , "In pole position" .)