Cryptic crossword clue
Setter not being edited is extremely bad 9

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

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "extremely bad" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case extremely bad = rottenest.
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 ROTTENEST mean?

ROTTENEST adjective
  1. Of perishable items, overridden with bacteria and other infectious agents.
  2. In a state of decay.
  3. Cruel, mean or immoral.
  4. Bad or terrible.

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