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
While on probation, a violation would expose him to an additional 10 years in prison, court records show.
—
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026
Connor asked for a split seven-year term – four years in prison and three on probation.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
The former Ohio State linebacker is reportedly still on probation stemming from a 2023 arrest for allegedly punching a female relative in the head multiple times.
—Jami Ganz, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026
The former Ohio State linebacker is reportedly still on probation stemming from a 2023 arrest for allegedly punching a female relative in the head multiple times.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for on probation
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Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026
Connor asked for a split seven-year term – four years in prison and three on probation.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
The former Ohio State linebacker is reportedly still on probation stemming from a 2023 arrest for allegedly punching a female relative in the head multiple times.
—Jami Ganz, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026
The former Ohio State linebacker is reportedly still on probation stemming from a 2023 arrest for allegedly punching a female relative in the head multiple times.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
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 Feb. 2026.
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