Crossword Genius

Mostly criticised student: letting oneself down? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rappel

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'letting oneself down?' is the definition.
(type of descent when climbing)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for rappel that I've seen before include "Abseil" , "abseiling" , "going down" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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