Crossword Genius

Lacking enthusiasm and short on inclination? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

listless

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'lacking enthusiasm and' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'short on inclination?' is the wordplay.
'short' becomes 'less' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'on' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'inclination?' becomes 'list' (list can mean to tilt, lean or incline).
'less' after 'list' is 'LISTLESS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for listless that I've seen before include "Low-spirited" , "Lacking enthusiasm or energy" , "Sluggish" , "Devoid of energy or concern" , "Lacking energy or vitality" .)

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