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

Maryland is considering a bill that would expand the eligibility of record expungement to people who commit a technical violation while on probation or parole. —Taylor Millard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025

The Wrap reported that Miller was sentenced to 10 years in prison but only served one year before he was released on probation, though he was still barred from filmmaking for the decade following the incident. —Sean Neumann, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025

In lieu of jail time, they were also ordered to complete community service while on probation in their home state. —Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 17 Mar. 2025

While on probation, Miller has been prohibited from directing movies. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025

Rhymes for on probation

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