Crossword Genius

Doctor helps to restrain a second unfortunate (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hapless

'unfortunate' is the definition.
('hapless' can be similar in meaning to 'unfortunate')

'doctor helps to restrain a second' is the wordplay.
'doctor' indicates an anagram.
'to restrain' indicates putting letters inside.
'second' becomes 's' (common abbreviation).
'helps' is an anagram of 'hples'.
'hples' placed around 'a' is 'haples'.
'haples'+'s'='HAPLESS'

(Other definitions for hapless that I've seen before include "Ill-fated" , "Pathetic" , "Ill-starred" , "Piteous" , "Unfortunate, wretched" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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