Crossword Genius

Incompetent writer backed by one with time (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

inept

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'incompetent' is the definition.
('inept' can be similar in meaning to 'incompetent')

'writer backed by one with time' is the wordplay.
'writer' becomes 'i' (the person who is writing these clues).
'backed by one' becomes 'nep' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'time' becomes 't'.
'i'+'nep'+'t'='INEPT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for inept that I've seen before include "Unskilful or unsuitable" , "Lousy" , "Wanting" , "Lacking skill" , "Unsuitable, clumsy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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