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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Garcia-Sotelo, who was on probation at the time of his arrest, remains in county jail without bail. Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024 One man was on probation and in possession of burglary tools, and provided a false name. Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2024 Additionally, Athletics Director Lori Culler is on probation this 2024-2025 academic year for NAIA ethics code violations. Alexandria Burris, The Indianapolis Star, 18 Oct. 2024 Ferguson is on probation having been released from prison five weeks ago after serving about 15 years for the armed robbery of a Silverton restaurant and a Oakley Fifth Third bank, records show. Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for on probation 

Dictionary Entries Near on probation

Cite this Entry

“On probation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20probation. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

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