noun
Common
probation
pruh-BAY-shuhn
Probation (noun) means a trial period during which someone's suitability for a job or role is being assessed, and they can be dismissed if they don't meet expectations. Example: “New hires are on probation for the first ninety days.”
noun
1
A trial period during which someone's suitability for a job or role is being assessed, and they can be dismissed if they don't meet expectations.
"New hires are on probation for the first ninety days."
"My manager said I would be on probation for six months before getting a permanent contract."
"He passed his probation and was offered a full-time position at the firm."
2
A criminal sentence that allows someone to remain in the community under supervision instead of going to prison, as long as they follow certain conditions.
"She was sentenced to two years of probation instead of jail time."
"The judge placed him on probation and ordered him to meet his supervising officer every week."
"If you break the terms of your probation, you could be sent to prison."
How to use probation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA trial or testing period — either at a job or as a lighter alternative to prison.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
on probation
probation period
probation officer
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Word forms
- Plural
- probations
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
New hires are on _____ for the first ninety days.
Etymology
From Latin probatio, "a testing or proving," from probare, "to test or examine" — the same root as "probe" and "prove."
Synonyms
View more →
trial period
supervised release
conditional release
Related words
Rhymes for probation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for probation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “probation” mean?
The word “probation” means a trial period during which someone's suitability for a job or role is being assessed, and they can be dismissed if they don't meet expectations. In plain terms, a trial or testing period — either at a job or as a lighter alternative to prison.
How do you pronounce “probation”?
“Probation” is pronounced pruh-BAY-shuhn (/ˌpɹoʊˈbeɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “probation” in a sentence?
Here is “probation” used in a sentence: “New hires are on probation for the first ninety days.”
What part of speech is “probation”?
“Probation” is a noun.
Where does the word “probation” come from?
The word “probation” comes from Latin. From Latin probatio, "a testing or proving," from probare, "to test or examine" — the same root as "probe" and "prove.".
Is “probation” a common word?
“Probation” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “probation” have?
“Probation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a trial period during which someone's suitability for a job or role is being assessed, and they can be dismissed if they don't meet expectations.
What is the difference between probation and parole?
Probation is a sentence served in the community instead of prison, imposed at sentencing as an alternative to incarceration. Parole, by contrast, is early release from a prison sentence already being served, granted after part of the term has been completed.
What happens if someone breaks the terms of their probation?
Breaking the conditions of probation can lead to it being revoked, after which the person may be sent to serve the original prison sentence. The specific conditions and consequences vary depending on the court and the offense.
What is the difference between job probation and criminal probation?
Job probation is a trial period during which an employer assesses whether a new employee is suitable for a role, with dismissal possible if expectations aren't met. Criminal probation is a legal sentence allowing someone to remain in the community under supervision instead of going to prison. Both involve a monitored trial period, but one is professional and the other is a judicial sentence.
