Crossword Genius

Futile to economise (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

useless

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

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

(Other definitions for useless that I've seen before include "Not worth a jot" , "Serving no practical purpose" , "Without any worthwhile application" , "Of no practical application, not worth keeping" , "Fruitless" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Times.
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