Crossword Genius

Sad seeing unemployment benefit maximum cut (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

doleful

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'sad' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'unemployment benefit maximum cut' is the wordplay.
'unemployment benefit' becomes 'dole' (dole can mean government benefits).
'maximum cut' becomes 'ful' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'dole'+'ful'='DOLEFUL'

'seeing' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for doleful that I've seen before include "Lugubrious" , "Dreary" , "Cheerless" , "Sad" , "Sad-looking" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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