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Lacking enthusiasm? Not the best way to go shopping (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

listless

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'best way to go shopping' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'lacking enthusiasm? not' is the wordplay.
'lacking enthusiasm?' becomes 'list' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'not' becomes 'less' (I've seen this in other clues).
'list'+'less'='LISTLESS'

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for listless that I've seen before include "Devoid of energy or interest" , "Lacking energy or interest" , "Low-spirited" , "'Lethargic, spiritless (8)'" , "Tells sis to be lacking in energy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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