Crossword Genius

Stupid, not hiring a comedian (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

witless

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'stupid' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'not hiring a comedian' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'not' could be 'less' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'less' is found within the answer.
'comedian' could be 'wit' (a witty person) and 'wit' is present in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for witless that I've seen before include "Lacking sense, understanding or judgment" , "Daft" , "Foolish, stupid" , "Out of one's mind (maybe scared)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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