The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word REPENTING
R
E
P
E
N
T
I
N
G
Buddy explains!

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 REPENTING mean?
REPENTING verb- To feel pain, sorrow, or regret for what one has done or omitted to do; the cause for repenting may be indicated with "of".
- To be sorry for sin as morally evil, and to seek forgiveness; to cease to practice sin and to love.
- To feel pain on account of; to remember with sorrow.
- To be sorry for, to regret.
- To cause to have sorrow or regret.
- To cause (oneself) to feel pain or regret.
- Repentance