reckoning

[ rek-uh-ning ]

noun

1. count; computation; calculation.
2. the settlement of accounts, as between two companies.
3. a statement of an amount due; bill.
4. an accounting, as for things received or done.

   Synonyms: retribution, judgment

5. an appraisal or judgment.
6. Navigation. dead reckoning.
7. day of reckoning.

reckoning

/ ˈrɛkənɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of counting or calculating
2. settlement of an account or bill
3. a bill or account
4. retribution for one's actions (esp in the phrase day of reckoning )
5. nautical short for dead reckoning

Other Words From

• pre·reckon·ing noun
• self-reckon·ing adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reckoning¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; reckon + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Its emergence coincided with several major events that have fueled a wider reckoning of South Korea’s gender inequalities in the workplace and violence against women.

From Los Angeles Times

The reckoning that needed to happen by the media in its normalizing of this man will now be replaced by the effort to hang on for dear life as the retribution begins.

From Salon

Without such a reckoning, Caitlyn will never be able to be a good partner to a woman from Zaun like Vi, no matter how much she may also love her.

From Salon

This moment of reckoning with LGBTQ+ veterans is an opportunity for the Pentagon to rethink its archaic military discharge system.

From Los Angeles Times

With Donald Trump’s reelection, the slide toward a dangerously empowered president has reached a moment of reckoning, particularly when it comes to foreign affairs and warfare.

From Salon

Related Words

• calculation
• estimation