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

He was placed on probation and had to serve 50 hours of community service. — Bob Harkins, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Over half, or 54%, of the people on the list were on probation because of driving under the influence. — Rachel Spacek, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Adan Osman Salat, 23, was sentenced to two years fixed and a possible 15 years on probation or in prison by 3rd District Judge Gabriel McCarthy, according to online court records and audio obtained by the Idaho Statesman. — Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 27 Aug. 2026

Krasner said Hughes is on probation for an unspecified crime in nearby Montgomery County. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for on probation

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