Less than affable but much admired (3)
I believe the answer is:
fab
'admired' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'less than affable but much' is the wordplay.
'FAB' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I am uncertain how the hidden word is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for fab that I've seen before include "Marvellous (sl.)" , "Excellent (slang)" .)