Definition

A time when someone has to deal with the consequences of their actions or a situation where accounts are settled.

Example

After years of ignoring his debts, the day of reckoning finally arrived for him.

Conversation

I feel like I'm approaching a big reckoning in my life.

What do you mean by that?

I just think it's time to face some important decisions and make changes.

That makes sense — sometimes we really need a moment of reckoning to move forward.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Reckoning → It is formed from "reck" (from Old English *reccan*, meaning to account or to consider) and the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process). The word "reckoning" refers to the process of accounting or considering something, often in the context of judgment or assessment.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word for accounting or considering — that's what reckoning means, the action of accounting for something.

Visually Confused Words