Crossword Genius

Futile to reduce consumption? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

useless

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

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

'reduce consumption?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'consumption?' could be 'use' (synonyms) and 'use' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'less' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for useless that I've seen before include "Of no benefit" , "Far from impressive" , "Serving no practical purpose" , "Futile and unavailing" , "Unemployable" .)

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