“As a flute-player”, I put in, “is useless” (6)

I believe the answer is:

futile

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'useless' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for futile that I've seen before include "Ineffectual, a waste of time" , "Useless, producing no results" , "Ineffective" , "Ineffectual, unavailing" , "Fruitless" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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