What does the cryptic crossword clue "Hurtful points in complaints (9)" mean?

The definition is "complaints". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). ILL (synonym="hurtful") + NESSES (synonym="points, geographically") = ILLNESSES; definition: "complaints" The answer is ILLNESSES.

Hurtful points in complaints (9)

Guardian Cryptic #29113 | 17 Across | 2023-07-04 flower

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