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
In 2020, Watkins and the dental board reached a settlement that placed Watkins on probation for 35 months.
—
Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Scott Whipple, 27, will be on probation for five years after serving the six-year term, the New Haven Register reported.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 29 May 2025
In addition to the time on probation, Kennelly ordered Clausen to pay a $10,000 fine.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
When an institution does not meet accreditation standards, it may be placed on probation or issued a warning, according to the Middle States Commission.
—Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for on probation
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Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Scott Whipple, 27, will be on probation for five years after serving the six-year term, the New Haven Register reported.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 29 May 2025
In addition to the time on probation, Kennelly ordered Clausen to pay a $10,000 fine.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
When an institution does not meet accreditation standards, it may be placed on probation or issued a warning, according to the Middle States Commission.
—Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for on probation
Cite this Entry
“On probation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20probation. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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