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
When an institution does not meet accreditation standards, it may be placed on probation or issued a warning, according to the Middle States Commission.
—
Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
Maloney asked the judge to place her client on probation.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 27 May 2025
Six of its security guards have been detained by the police for questioning, though two of them have since been released on probation.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 14 May 2025
Johnson has two prior felony convictions for robbery in Pennsylvania in 2018 where he was placed on probation, the records say.
—Harry Harris, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for on probation
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Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
Maloney asked the judge to place her client on probation.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 27 May 2025
Six of its security guards have been detained by the police for questioning, though two of them have since been released on probation.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 14 May 2025
Johnson has two prior felony convictions for robbery in Pennsylvania in 2018 where he was placed on probation, the records say.
—Harry Harris, Mercury News, 13 May 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 7 Jun. 2025.
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