Cold water without risk is boring (9)

I believe the answer is:

charmless

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'risk is boring' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'cold water without' is the wordplay.
'cold water' becomes 'charm' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'without' becomes 'less' (I've seen this in another clue).
'charm'+'less'='CHARMLESS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for charmless that I've seen before include "Without attractive features" , "Lacking any appeal" , "Unattractive" , "not winning" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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