What does the cryptic crossword clue "Severity shown by head supporting girl to a reduced extent (12)" mean?

The definition is "Severity". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). RUTH (synonym="RUTH") + LESS (synonym="LESS") + NESS (synonym="NESS") = RUTHLESSNESS; definition: "Severity" The answer is RUTHLESSNESS.

Severity shown by head supporting girl to a reduced extent (12)

Times Cryptic #28735 | 12 Down | 2023-10-16 flower

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