Nothing managed, was unwilling (6)

I believe the answer is:

nilled

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'unwilling' is the definition.
The answer and definition are not the same part of speech. However, adjectives and past participle verbs sometimes define each other.

'nothing managed' is the wordplay.
'nothing' becomes 'nil' (eg nil is zero in football).
'managed' becomes 'led' (I've seen this in another clue).
'nil'+'led'='NILLED'

'was' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.

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