Crossword Genius

A terrible one, say? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

state

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'one say?' is the definition.
(say is a kind of state)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for state that I've seen before include "Speak" , "Public" , "Country; aver" , "eg Maine" , "Pomp; nation" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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