Crossword Genius

A journey without end lacking interest (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

arid

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'lacking interest' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'a journey without end' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'a' is within the answer.
The remaining letters 'rid' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for arid that I've seen before include "Dry and barren" , "Dry and withered" , "Dry and sere" , "Without water" , "(Of an area) very dry" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun and The Times.
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