reckoning

1 of 2

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

reckoning

2 of 2

present participle of reckon

Synonyms of reckoning

Noun

• assessment
• estimate
• appraisal
• estimation
• evaluation
• appraisement
• examination
• calculation

Examples of reckoning in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

Joe Biden’s decision not to run for re-election prompted a reckoning in the caucus over age and seniority, with younger Democrats challenging more senior committee leaders at the end of the last Congress. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2026

But when his best friend Lloyd (Bergen) invites Eddie’s first love and former camp sweetheart Erin (Cohan) to the bachelor weekend, the reunion becomes a reckoning with old relationships, unresolved love and the question of what might have been. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026

About halfway through those 196 versions, by Lee’s reckoning, the song acquired its subject. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026

The French church, like that in many countries, has faced a reckoning over its legacy of abuse. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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