Cryptic crossword clue
Worthless types are many in total  4

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word SCUM 

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
C
U
M
Â
 

Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does SCUM  mean?

SCUM  noun
  1. A layer of impurities that accumulates at the surface of a liquid (especially molten metal or water).
  2. A greenish water vegetation (such as algae), usually found floating on the surface of ponds
  3. The topmost liquid layer of a cesspool or septic tank.
  4. (chiefly US) semen
  5. A reprehensible person or persons.
SCUM  verb
  1. To remove the layer of scum from (a liquid etc.).
  2. To remove (something) as scum.
  3. To become covered with scum.
  4. To scour (the land, sea etc.).
  5. To gather together, as scum.
  6. To startscum or savescum.

Latest crossword clues with full explanations