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

St Cyr was the only one who was still in prison in 2025, as the other four with convictions had been released or were on probation. —Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026

He was initially placed on probation, but was sent to a correctional facility in April 2024 after violating probation. —Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2026

The school also was on probation for NCAA violations that cost the roster 24 scholarships and was under the gun for academics. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Jan. 2026

Rodriguez was on probation for his felony convictions, according to the Maricopa County Superior Court website. —Elena Santa Cruz, AZCentral.com, 16 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for on probation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation