Told nine about being lazy (8)
I believe the answer is:
indolent
'lazy' is the definition.
('indolent' can be a synonym of 'lazy')
'told nine about' is the wordplay.
'about' indicates an anagram.
'told'+'nine'='toldnine'
'toldnine' anagrammed gives 'INDOLENT'.
'being' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for indolent that I've seen before include "not willing to work" , "Work-shy" , "Making no effort" , "Lethargic" , "Disinclined to exertion or work" .)