Cryptic crossword clue
Worse number?  Anything that is by Queen

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

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

The straight part
We know that "Worse" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case worse = naughtier.
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 NAUGHTIER mean?

NAUGHTIER adjective
  1. Mischievous; tending to misbehave or act badly (especially of a child).
  2. Sexually provocative; now in weakened sense, risqué, cheeky.
  3. Evil, wicked, morally reprehensible.
  4. Bad, worthless, substandard.

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