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

Since rejoining Nike in early 2024, Graham has led the brand’s marketing revival at a moment of existential reckoning. —Seth Matlins, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

The stories of these Black men demand a national reckoning — one that reimagines care, challenges stereotypes, and centers humanity. —Wunmi Bakare, Essence, 18 June 2025

My childhood homeland demanded a reckoning — my family story braided with ancestral memory, environmental justice and mother-daughter ache. —Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2025

The establishment of the holiday was the capstone of initiatives during the racial reckoning. —Timothy Welbeck, The Conversation, 16 June 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