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

Harvard, of course, has had this reckoning forced upon itself, in many ways. —Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026

And for Orlando itself, the process forces a long-overdue reckoning with how the city sees its future. —Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026

The mission quickly becomes a psychological and moral reckoning, forcing the men to confront fear, loyalty, and the consequences of the unknown. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2026

Yet nothing in our recent history compares to this moment of reckoning that will define Iran’s future and test the world’s conscience. —Dan Bilefsky, HollywoodReporter, 21 Jan. 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