The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word MALINGERS
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
M
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More clues leading to the result MALINGERS
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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 MALINGERS mean?
MALINGERS verb- To feign illness, injury, or incapacitation in order to avoid work, obligation, or perilous risk.
- To self-inflict real injury or infection (to inflict self-harm) in order to avoid work, obligation, or perilous risk.