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
Earlier this month, HUD fired hundreds of employees who were on probation at the time.
—
Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Once Bainbridge completes the program he’ll be considered for early release and be placed on probation.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 25 Feb. 2025
As a presidential management fellow who started his job in February 2024, Mr. McKenzie was still on probation, and Mr. Trump’s order has been carried out by targeting the most recent hires who do not receive the same protections as more veteran federal employees.
—Matt Yan, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
One other consequence of the scandal: OMA, as the museum is nicknamed, was placed on probation by the American Alliance of Museums.
—Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on probation
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Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Once Bainbridge completes the program he’ll be considered for early release and be placed on probation.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 25 Feb. 2025
As a presidential management fellow who started his job in February 2024, Mr. McKenzie was still on probation, and Mr. Trump’s order has been carried out by targeting the most recent hires who do not receive the same protections as more veteran federal employees.
—Matt Yan, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
One other consequence of the scandal: OMA, as the museum is nicknamed, was placed on probation by the American Alliance of Museums.
—Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Feb. 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 15 Mar. 2025.
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