Crossword Genius

Youngster, a learner unqualified (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

total

'unqualified' is the definition.
('total' can be a synonym of 'unqualified')

'youngster a learner' is the wordplay.
'youngster' becomes 'tot' (tot is a kind of youngster**).
'learner' becomes 'l'.
'tot'+'a'+'l'='TOTAL'

(Other definitions for total that I've seen before include "Not qualified" , "wreck" , "Complete, absolute" , "Reckon" , "outright" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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