The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word UNMARKED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
U
N
M
A
R
K
E
D
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "lacking identification" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case lacking identification = unmarked.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 UNMARKED mean?
UNMARKED adjective- Not bearing identification.
- Free from blemishes.
- Not noticed.
- Not marked, not closely followed by a defensive player.
- Not having been marked, or assigned a score.
- Not marked; not standing out as unusual.