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

Several players were deemed ineligible, and the program was placed on probation for two years. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Stanley, Morrow’s co-defendant, is serving a year on probation and community service. — Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2026

The governor’s office declined to comment Wednesday on the allegations that the Department of Correction obtained execution drugs from a pharmacy on probation. — Abigail Brooks, NBC news, 4 Nov. 2026

His probation was revoked less than three months later, but he was placed back on probation in June 2025. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Rhymes for on probation

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