‘A way back’ quote is lamentable (8)
I believe the answer is:
pathetic
'lamentable' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
'a way back quote' is the wordplay.
'a way' becomes 'path' (path is a kind of way).
'back' is a reversal indicator.
'quote' becomes 'cite' (synonyms).
'cite' backwards is 'etic'.
'path'+'etic'='PATHETIC'
'is' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for pathetic that I've seen before include "Hapless, miserable" , "Sad - hopeless" , "Pitiable - paltry - touching" , "Arousing pity or sadness" , "Wretched" .)