reckoning

noun

reck·​on·​ing ˈre-kə-niŋ 

ˈrek-niŋ

1

: the act or an instance of reckoning: such as

a

: account, bill

b

: computation

c

: calculation of a ship's position

2

: a settling of accounts

day of reckoning

3

: a summing up

Synonyms of reckoning

• assessment
• estimate
• appraisal
• estimation
• evaluation
• appraisement
• examination
• calculation

Examples of reckoning in a Sentence

I was more than $10 off in my reckoning.

When the day of reckoning comes, we will have to face some unpleasant truths.

Our football team hardly comes into the reckoning.

Because of his injury, he is out of the reckoning.

The team is still in the reckoning.

Recent Examples on the Web

Nearly every reckoning has shaped a safeguard that made a subsequent cure possible. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

The best part is that the hedge fund's reckoning last Thursday isn't the only reason for the sustained reversal of fortunes. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026

The ruling comes as Meta, along with other social media companies, face a reckoning over allegations of harms to children, including multiple lawsuits across the country. — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026

Hamilton’s campaign could mark an extraordinary reckoning for Kansas’ political system and pose a major test of whether the pastor can attract voters in a state dominated by Republicans. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reckoning

• by someone's reckoning
• dead reckoning
• hour of reckoning

Rhymes for reckoning

• beckoning

Kids Definition

reckoning

noun

reck·​on·​ing

1

: the act or an instance of calculating

2

: a settling of accounts

day of reckoning