Meaning & Definition
noun
the process of calculating or estimating something.
The accountant is conducting a reckoning of the company's expenses for the last quarter.
a time when a person's actions are considered and judged.
She faced a reckoning for her mistakes after the financial scandal was revealed.
a judgment or settlement of accounts.
The old feud came to a reckoning at the family reunion.
a weighing or consideration of reasons or facts.
In his reckoning, he realized that the risks outweighed the benefits.
Etymology
Middle English, from the verb reckon, derived from Old French 'recounte' meaning to recount or compute.
Common Phrases and Expressions
day of reckoning:
a time when consequences must be faced or accounts settled
final reckoning:
the last opportunity to settle debts or face consequences
reckoning with the past:
dealing with previous actions or events
Slang Meanings
getting what's due
After a long time of cheating, his day of reckoning came.
payback time
They'll have their reckoning when it comes time to pay up.