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
Each count is accompanied by charging enhancements based on allegations including Tran being a particularly vulnerable victim, Estrada’s prior criminal convictions, and her being on probation.
—
Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 16 July 2025
Many veteran workers left, along with employees on probation and those recently hired or promoted.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 7 July 2025
Troopers took the woman into custody shortly after 7:30 a.m.
Police said the woman was on probation for a 2023 forgery conviction.
—Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 1 July 2025
The company was also sanctioned, placed on probation, received two warnings, and the secretary threatened to file a formal complaint, jeopardizing its license status.
—Glynis Kazanjian, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for on probation
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Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 16 July 2025
Many veteran workers left, along with employees on probation and those recently hired or promoted.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 7 July 2025
Troopers took the woman into custody shortly after 7:30 a.m.
Police said the woman was on probation for a 2023 forgery conviction.
—Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 1 July 2025
The company was also sanctioned, placed on probation, received two warnings, and the secretary threatened to file a formal complaint, jeopardizing its license status.
—Glynis Kazanjian, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 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 25 Jul. 2025.
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