on probation

idiom

1

: being tested and watched at a new job to see if one is able to do the job properly

As a new employee, I will be on probation for three months.

2

: being allowed to stay out of prison after committing a crime if one behaves well, does not commit another crime, etc.

She was arrested while on probation.

3

: being watched for a period of time during which one must behave well in order not to be seriously punished after having made a serious mistake or done something bad

He was on probation for cheating.

The student was put/placed on probation for copying test answers.

Examples of on probation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The outlet reported that other children living in the home had bites from mice and bugs, according to authorities. Felicia Hargrove and Charles Turner pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent and each will be on probation for just two years, according to court records. —Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 4 June 2024

In 2022, the accrediting agency placed the school on probation for undisclosed reasons. —Theresa Clift, Sacramento Bee, 31 May 2024

With Russell’s plea to the lesser charge, San Diego Superior Court Judge Francis Devaney had the option of placing the former deputy on probation, with or without time in local custody, or sentencing him to prison. —Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2024

Meanwhile, amid the allegations, Kingston was on probation, adding another charge to his rap sheet. —Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 24 May 2024