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

Corbett was also suspended for one week, placed on probation for one year and ordered to attend sensitivity training. —James Barron, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025

In 2023 and 2024, six fraternities were placed on probation at SDSU due to violations of school policies, including unsanctioned distribution of alcohol, according to the university’s website. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025

Rowley in turn asked the judge to place Black on probation. —Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 4 Jan. 2025

After the dog was found dead, Theunissen was placed on probation for two years. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 3 Jan. 2025