on probation

idiom

: 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.

: 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.

: 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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Catch up quick: Last Thursday, Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, was sentenced to time served and 15 years on probation after pleading guilty to participating in criminal street gang activity, possession of drugs and other charges. —

Kristal Dixon, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024 Williams was sentenced to five years in prison commuted to time served and 15 years on probation, followed by 20 years in prison. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Nichols had several charges dropped, and was sentenced to 20 years in prison with seven to be served on probation. —

Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024 He was sentenced to 25 years, to be served as nine years in custody, nine on probation, and five years suspended. —

Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for on probation