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

Earnings forecasts for now keep rising, of course, so the moment of reckoning is not likely here. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

But in the meantime, James McAtee has played his way into the reckoning for a starting place in midfield against Leeds a week on Saturday with his performances in a new position in pre-season. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

The blaze sparked a political reckoning that could cost Mayor Karen Bass reelection and reshape city government. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

When the Chinese export machine stalls, the reckoning will be most painful for China. — Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 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