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

• 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

Doing a thorough reckoning of the impact of AI on humanity is hard. —John Werner, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

Since George Floyd’s 2020 murder spurred a public reckoning, including in the art world, Chiu has helped the Crocker acquire more than 100 works. —Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025

Advertisement That fracture extends to the men who ruled it, pulling Day and Dusk into their final reckoning. —Jp Mangalindan, Time, 12 Sep. 2025

Handed the biggest of all hospital passes, Andy Howe — the deputy head of recruitment and Eddie’s nephew — has stepped into Paul Mitchell’s shoes and, in the final reckoning, re-sculpted a team which was crying out for fresh blood. —George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025

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