The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word SKIPPED
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
K
I
P
P
E
D
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Avoided" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case avoided = skipped.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 SKIPPED mean?
SKIPPED verb- To move by hopping on alternate feet.
- To leap about lightly.
- To skim, ricochet or bounce over a surface.
- To throw (something), making it skim, ricochet, or bounce over a surface.
- To disregard, miss or omit part of a continuation (some item or stage).
- To place an item in a skip.
- Not to attend (some event, especially a class or a meeting).
- To leave, especially in a sudden and covert manner.
- To leap lightly over.
- To jump rope.
- (crocheting) To pass by a stitch as if it were not there, continuing with the next stitch.