What does the cryptic crossword clue "Central reason wasteful learners will be behind (6)" mean?

The definition is "behind". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). AS (synonym="on") + TE (synonym="ful") + RN (synonym="ers") = ASTERN; definition: "behind" The answer is ASTERN.

Central reason wasteful learners will be behind (6)

Guardian Cryptic #29441 | 20 Down | 2024-07-22 flower

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