Home US English a — to be reckoned with

Definition of a — to be reckoned with in English:

a — to be reckoned with

phrase

(also a — to reckon with)

  • A thing or person of considerable importance or ability that is not to be ignored or underestimated.

    ‘the trade unions were a political force to be reckoned with’
    • ‘The vitality of the Vietnamese economy and its superb growth rates are making Vietnam an economic force to be reckoned with.’
    • ‘We will be a force to be reckoned with.’
    • ‘Put the two together, and you have a force to reckon with.’
    • ‘This youngster is a force to reckon with in the sub-junior and junior categories.’
    • ‘For all the reasons I've stated, my mother is a woman to reckon with but none of these are the reasons why I think my mother is a very special human being.’
    important, of considerable importance, not to be ignored, significant, considerable