reckoning

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "reckoning" is an appropriate and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of calculating or estimating something, or to refer to a judgment or decision resulting from an assessment. For example: "The final reckoning of the accounts showed a significant loss for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With the upcoming challenge of its exit, QE is proving a truth of even the most well-intentioned bailouts: getting the financial system out of trouble doesn't mean ending a crisis for good; it means only delaying the reckoning until the economy is strong enough to take it.

The Guardian - Business

Some operate without permission, reckoning the FAA lacks the resources to catch them.

The Economist

Cubans call the unknown day of reckoning Día Cero ("day zero").The main difficulty is not unifying the two currencies per se.

The Economist

Decision Resources Group, which analyses the health-care industry, is more cautious, reckoning $9 billion by 2022.There are good reasons for the uncertainty.

The Economist

He is not sure how much the project will cost, but is reckoning on a payback period of around five years.But European emissions overall are not falling, which suggests there may not be as much switching out of coal, or as much technological innovation, as had been hoped.

The Economist

Hungary is often criticised for failing to confront its past, but this exhibition is the latest step in what has been a long and painful process of reckoning.

The Economist

By reckoning the payments annually according to the tax base (rather than how cantons tax and spend) and by providing lump sums instead of semi-hidden subsidies, the system preserves cantons' freedom of action and also encourages tax competition.None of this is to idealise Switzerland.

The Economist

Reckoning debt sustainability is an inexact science.

The Economist

Patrick Buchanan's latest book is called "Day of Reckoning: How Hubris, Ideology and Greed are Tearing America Apart".

The Economist

Pritchard, by his own reckoning, was too young for the Britpop moment, which "had all curdled" by the time he reached his teens, but he was certainly aware of the label and with all its associations, "the lads' mags and beers that came along with it".

The Guardian - Music

Now, as the day of reckoning approaches, he will have to decide whether to placate foreign lenders by agreeing to the terms of another rescue programme – conditions that though painful will keep Greece in the single currency – or jettison the hardliners in his own party.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reckoning" to denote not just calculation but also the broader implications of facing the consequences of one's actions. It adds a layer of moral or ethical consideration to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "reckoning" when referring only to simple calculations or estimations. It's more appropriate when the calculation leads to a significant judgment or consequence. For simple math, use "calculation" or "estimation" instead.

Linguistic Context

The noun "reckoning" functions primarily to denote the act of calculating or estimating something, but it often extends to imply a final judgment or the facing of consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used both for calculations and broader assessments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "reckoning" is a versatile noun that signifies both calculation or estimation and the confrontation of consequences. As Ludwig AI states, the word is appropriate and usable in written English. Its frequent appearance in news, media and formal business contexts underscores its relevance in discussions requiring assessment and accountability. When writing, consider the nuance that "reckoning" adds beyond mere calculation, implying a significant judgment or the facing of deserved outcomes. Avoiding its use in purely numerical contexts will ensure precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

day of reckoning

Highlights the moment when consequences must be faced.

day of reckoning is at hand

Emphasizes the imminence or approaching nature of a critical evaluation or consequence.

calculation

Focuses specifically on the mathematical or quantitative aspect of assessing something.

assessment

Refers to a comprehensive evaluation or appraisal.

evaluation

Implies a systematic determination of merit, worth, or significance.

estimation

Emphasizes the approximate or judgmental assessment of value or quantity.

final accounting

Stresses the conclusive and comprehensive nature of a financial or moral assessment.

judgment day

Specifically refers to a final assessment or accounting, often with moral or ethical implications.

consequences

Focuses on the results or effects following an action or event.

retribution

Suggests a deserved punishment or payback.

FAQs

How can I use "reckoning" in a sentence?

You can use "reckoning" to refer to the process of calculating something, as in "By that "reckoning", it would take six weeks", or to the act of facing consequences, as in "The day of "reckoning" is coming".

What phrases are similar to "reckoning"?

Alternatives include "calculation", "estimation", or "assessment" when referring to a calculation. For facing consequences, consider "judgment day" or "day of reckoning".

When is it appropriate to use "day of reckoning"?

"Day of "reckoning"" is suitable when referring to a time when someone will face the consequences of their actions, often implying a moral or ethical judgment.

What is the difference between "reckoning" and "calculation"?

"Calculation" refers specifically to the process of computing or determining something mathematically, while ""reckoning"" can also imply a broader assessment or the facing of consequences.