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 outlets added that Flores is on probation from a 2023 conviction involving a gun and DUI, which bars him from possessing firearms or drinking alcohol.
—
Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Prosecutors cited unusable breathalyzer evidence and Pennington's good behavior on probation as reasons for the withdrawal.
—Elena Santa Cruz, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025
He was fined $500 and was placed on probation for five years, but a judge approved an early release in March 2017 based on the recommendation of community supervision officials due to Jahn’s regular reporting and compliance.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 25 Sep. 2025
Some of the people arrested were already on probation, parole or home detention.
—Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on probation
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Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Prosecutors cited unusable breathalyzer evidence and Pennington's good behavior on probation as reasons for the withdrawal.
—Elena Santa Cruz, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025
He was fined $500 and was placed on probation for five years, but a judge approved an early release in March 2017 based on the recommendation of community supervision officials due to Jahn’s regular reporting and compliance.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 25 Sep. 2025
Some of the people arrested were already on probation, parole or home detention.
—Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 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 5 Oct. 2025.
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