Guardian Prize 28087

[suziecreamcheese]

My last one, 23a, is driving me nuts! I have every `crosser` and I think they're correct.

@Lie-in-King, I saw your ABUJA parse (thank you) but just now, checking my Q hadn't already been answered, I was informed that there were NO posts on Guardian Prize 28087. Odd.

23a Depreciating profits evident originally, steps quickly taken to catch old scoundrel (10)
?E?O?A?I?E
DEROGATIVE
PEJORATIVE ... DEMORALISE ..? Please help.

[Toorak]

Pejorative p(rofits) e(Vident) & jive (steps quickly taken) around o(ld) rat (scoundrel)

[Neveracrossword]

Pejorative - O Rat, old scoundrel, with PE first letters of Profits Evident and Jive, steps. Pe j o rat ive.

[sedge47]

PE (first letters of profits evident) + JIVE (steps taken quickly) containing O(ld) RAT (scoundrel

[Mamyalynne]

Looks like the Search function is having a wobble, it works if you type in - 28087

As long as the OP has used the number of course.

[suziecreamcheese]

JIVE! *sigh* ... I would never have thought of that.
Thanks so much, everyone; tranquillity at last. Stay well. Stay apart.