What does the cryptic crossword clue "Even with having long time to replace leader in industry is forlorn (9)" mean?

The definition is "forlorn". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). DESP (synonym="DESP") + ERA (synonym="long time") + TE (synonym="‘even with’") = DESPERATE; definition: "forlorn" The answer is DESPERATE.

Even with having long time to replace leader in industry is forlorn (9)

Independent Cryptic #11904 | 27 Across | 2024-12-04 flower

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