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
Her turning point came after legal trouble landed her on probation.
—
Kansas City Star,
1 July 2026
The school was originally placed on probation by its accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, last June.
—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for on probation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kansas City Star,
1 July 2026
The school was originally placed on probation by its accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, last June.
—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
29 June 2026
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 3 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
