Crossword Genius

Notes deserve a black mark (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

demerit

'a black mark' is the definition.
(a black mark marks a demerit or fault)

'notes deserve' is the wordplay.
'notes' becomes 'de' (two musical notes).
'deserve' becomes 'merit' (synonyms).
'de'+'merit'='DEMERIT'

(Other definitions for demerit that I've seen before include "Conduct that deserves censure" , "Something deserving censure" , "Black mark" , "Mark given for a fault" , "Fault, defect" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror and The Daily Express.
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