Somehow never able to be like an archdeacon (9)

I believe the answer is:

venerable

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'to be like an archdeacon' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'somehow never able' is the wordplay.
'somehow' is an anagram indicator.
'never' anagrammed gives 'vener'.
'vener'+'able'='VENERABLE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for venerable that I've seen before include "Worthy of reverence" , "like Bede" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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