Cowardly is a term that indicates a lack of courage or the tendency to avoid risks or challenges. Some synonyms for cowardly might include timid, fearful, hesitant, or faint-hearted. Other words that can be used to describe cowardly behavior include craven, pusillanimous, or lily-livered. Another way to describe cowardice might be to use phrases such as "running scared" or "backing down." Overall, cowardly is a term that conveys a sense of weakness or vulnerability, and can be used to describe a variety of behaviors, from avoiding conflict to shirking responsibilities.