The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word FUMBLING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
F
U
M
B
L
I
N
G
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "groping" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case groping = fumbling.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 FUMBLING mean?
FUMBLING verb- To handle nervously or awkwardly.
- To grope awkwardly in trying to find something
- To blunder uncertainly.
- To grope about in perplexity; to seek awkwardly.
- To drop a ball or a baton etc. by accident.
- To handle much; to play childishly; to turn over and over.
- An instance of clumsiness, especially of the hands or fingers.