The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word DEBASED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
D
E
B
A
S
E
D
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "sordid" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case sordid = debased.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 DEBASED mean?
DEBASED verb- To lower in character, quality, or value; to degrade.
- To lower in position or rank.
- To lower the value of (a currency) by reducing the amount of valuable metal in the coins.
- Brought low; degraded.
- Reversed.