Cryptic crossword clue
Out of pessimism an agent is to run badly 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word MISMANAGE

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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "run badly" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case run badly = mismanage.
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 MISMANAGE mean?

MISMANAGE verb
  1. To manage an area of responsibility in a way which is inept, incompetent, or dishonest.
  2. To behave, in a management capacity, in a manner which is inept, incompetent, or dishonest.

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