on probation

phrase

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

He was sentenced to 180 days on probation and treatment to be monitored by JLAP, the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. — Amy Lavalley, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026

On Monday, the Board of Trustees met to discuss the nursing program’s poor performance on National Council Licensure Examination exams, which have resulted in the college being placed on probation by the State Board of Nursing. — Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Oliver and Kennedy were previously arrested together with firearms and were both on probation in Montgomery County. — Laura Fay, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Under the plea agreement, Eslick would avoid prison and be placed on probation if a judge approves the deal. — Perry Vandell, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for on probation

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