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

• appraisal
• appraisement
• assessment
• estimate
• estimation
• evaluation
• valuation

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

The Judgement card suggests a reckoning, a powerful wake-up call to rise into your purpose and release guilt, regret, or self-doubt. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025

Until then, Benedict's romantic reckoning, with all its class tensions, mistaken identities, and masquerade intrigue, awaits. —Jenna Dejong, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025

When a logistical mishap forces her and her boyfriend onto a chaotic road trip to LA, what starts as a simple journey spirals into a wild ride filled with unexpected detours, mischief, and a reckoning with her past. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2025

Following George Floyd’s death at the hands of police in Minneapolis in 2020, the U.S. has undergone a national reckoning over crime prevention and police reform. —Christopher S. Warshaw, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 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