The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word TOTTERING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
T
O
T
T
E
R
I
N
G
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "moving irregularly" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case moving irregularly = tottering.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 TOTTERING mean?
TOTTERING verb- To walk, move or stand unsteadily or falteringly; threatening to fall.
- To be on the brink of collapse.
- To collect junk or scrap.
- The movement of one who totters.
- Unsteady, precarious or rickety.
- Unstable, insecure or wobbly.