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
The Nevada State Contractors Board had put Titan on probation in 2023 after receiving multiple customer complaints.
—
Alana Semuels, TIME, 18 June 2024
Since Bartholomew was on probation for a January drug conviction in Solano County, police searched his car and allegedly found a large cache of condom packages and personal lubricant.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 15 June 2024
Moskowitz said families generally pay a $100 initial probation user fee and then $15 to $25 in monthly fees for the entire period their child is on probation.
—Claire Reid and Peter Breen, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Apr. 2024
The outlet reported that other children living in the home had bites from mice and bugs, according to authorities.
Felicia Hargrove and Charles Turner pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent and each will be on probation for just two years, according to court records.
—Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 4 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for on probation 
Alana Semuels, TIME, 18 June 2024
Since Bartholomew was on probation for a January drug conviction in Solano County, police searched his car and allegedly found a large cache of condom packages and personal lubricant.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 15 June 2024
Moskowitz said families generally pay a $100 initial probation user fee and then $15 to $25 in monthly fees for the entire period their child is on probation.
—Claire Reid and Peter Breen, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Apr. 2024
The outlet reported that other children living in the home had bites from mice and bugs, according to authorities.
Felicia Hargrove and Charles Turner pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent and each will be on probation for just two years, according to court records.
—Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 4 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for on probation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'on probation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“On probation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20probation. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
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