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

Ryden Lapcevich, the younger brother of Bryant driver Treyten Lapcevich, was fined $500 and placed on probation through 2027. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

The Tennessee man accused of killing a Kentucky state trooper was on probation and already wanted for a violation, with a criminal record that included assault, fraud and illegally possessing a gun. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Cook ultimately pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a two-way communications device in 2019 and was placed on probation for three years. — Kate Payne, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

Donta Ta White, 44, of Tampa, who was convicted of a felony and remains on probation until 2032 but allegedly voted in 2024. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for on probation

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