The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word APOLOGETIC
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
A
P
O
L
O
G
E
T
I
C
More clues leading to the result APOLOGETIC
- Article in verse including record in sorry state
- . Clubs supporting distressed top goalie offering explanations
- Police got a criminal showing remorse
- A car with good quote has to be withdrawn, sorry
- Sorry Australian sensitive about record
- Sorry for writing book in a lyrical style
- Sorry adult sensitive about record
- Sorry self-importance rejected in Capitol after reshuffle
- Sorry answer over record penned by creative
- Top clubs admitting game win’s sorry
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "in sorry state" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case in sorry state = apologetic.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 APOLOGETIC mean?
APOLOGETIC adjective- Having the character of apology; regretfully excusing
- Defending by words or arguments; said or written in defense.