Inadequate way quote sent back (8)
I believe the answer is:
pathetic
'inadequate' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
'way quote sent back' is the wordplay.
'way' becomes 'path' (synonyms).
'quote' becomes 'cite' (synonyms).
'sent back' is a reversal indicator.
'cite' in reverse letter order is 'etic'.
'path'+'etic'='PATHETIC'
(Other definitions for pathetic that I've seen before include "Poignant or hopelessly inadequate" , "Sort of fallacy" , "Derisory" , "Feeble; inspiring pity" , "Pitiable - paltry - touching" .)