Either way, it's no good (3)
I believe the answer is:
dud
'either way' is the definition.
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for dud that I've seen before include "Not functioning" , "Faulty" , "Damp squib" , "Forged" , "Bullet that fails to fire" .)