Crossword Genius

Awful to have three keys (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bad

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

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for bad that I've seen before include "Harmful" , "Stinking" , "Of poor quality" , "(Of food) decayed" , "SECOND HALF OF 16" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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