probation

probation — noun

1. a system in which someone who has broken the law is allowed to remain in the com

1.nounB2
Definition

a system in which someone who has broken the law is allowed to remain in the community instead of going to jail, as long as they follow strict rules and check in regularly with a court-appointed supervisor

Example

The judge sentenced the thief to two years of probation instead of prison time.

While on probation, Asher must report to his probation officer every month.

collocation: on probation + report to probation officer

Common collocations
  • on probation
  • place someone on probation
  • probation officer
  • terms of probation
  • break probation
  • probation period
Synonyms
  • parole

    refers to early release from prison, not a substitute for a prison sentence; probation avoids prison entirely

  • suspended sentence

    a punishment that a court decides not to enforce unless the offender commits another crime; similar in result but legally distinct from probation

Antonyms
  • imprisonment

    the state of being sent to prison, which probation is designed to avoid

  • incarceration

    formal term for being kept in prison

Grammar Patterns

on probation

place/put + on probation

probation period

Usage Note

Commonly used with the preposition 'on': someone is 'on probation'. If they break the rules, they may be sent to prison.

Common Mistakes

The judge gave him three years of parole.' (when meaning release under supervision after a guilty verdict).
The judge gave him three years of probation.
'parole' is early release from prison after serving part of a sentence; 'probation' is an alternative to prison in the first place.

2. a limited period early in someone's employment when the employer assesses their

2.nounB1
Definition

a limited period early in someone's employment when the employer assesses their skills and decides whether to keep them permanently

Example

All new employees at the company serve a three-month probation period.

collocation: probation period

Erik was told he passed his probation and would now receive full benefits.

Common collocations
  • probation period
  • probationary period
  • on probation
  • pass probation
  • complete probation
  • extend probation
Synonyms
  • trial period

    less formal than 'probation' and used across many contexts, not just employment

  • probationary period

    the full formal HR term; more specific and official-sounding

Antonyms
  • permanent employment

    the status after probation is successfully completed

  • tenure

    long-term or permanent job status, especially in academia

Grammar Patterns

on probation

probation period

probationary period

Usage Note

In formal HR language, the adjective 'probationary' is common — e.g. 'probationary period'. The employee is referred to as being 'on probation'.

Common Mistakes

I finished my probation and got hired.' (vague).
I successfully completed my probation period and became a permanent employee.
use 'completed' or 'passed' with 'probation period' for clarity.

3. a set period given to a student whose work or behaviour falls below the school's

3.nounB2
Definition

a set period given to a student whose work or behaviour falls below the school's required standards, during which they must show improvement or risk being dismissed

Example

Hoa was placed on academic probation after failing two classes last semester.

collocation: academic probation

Students on probation must meet with a counsellor every week to check their progress.

Common collocations
  • academic probation
  • on probation
  • place on probation
  • take off probation
  • probation policy
  • probation warning
Synonyms
  • academic warning

    a less formal, less severe first step before probation

  • remedial period

    a broader term for the time given to catch up; less common in official university policies

Antonyms
  • good standing

    the normal status when a student meets all academic requirements

  • honors status

    a higher level of academic recognition, the opposite of probation

Grammar Patterns

academic probation

on probation

on academic probation

place + on probation

Usage Note

In North American universities, the full term is usually 'academic probation'. The student is said to be 'on probation' or 'on academic probation'. This sense is rare in British schools.

Common Mistakes

She was put on academic probation for cheating on the exam.' (behavioural violations often have separate procedures).
She was put on academic probation for failing to maintain the required grade point average.
academic probation is primarily about grades, not conduct.

Word family

  • probationary
    adjectiveB2
  • probationer
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Probation, parole, and suspended sentence are all legal alternatives to active imprisonment, but they apply at different stages. Probation is ordered by a judge instead of sending someone to prison — the offender stays in the community under supervision from day one. Parole, by contrast, is early release from prison after an offender has already served part of a sentence; a parole board decides whether the person is safe to re-enter society. A suspended sentence means the court pronounces a prison term but delays enforcing it, usually on the condition that the offender stays out of trouble for a set time. If that condition is broken, the original sentence takes effect. For example: 'The judge gave the first-time offender probation rather than jail' (no prison at all). 'After serving four years, he was released on parole' (prison first, then supervised release). 'The court handed down a two-year suspended sentence' (prison term exists but is held back).

probation ↗parolesuspended sentence

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • on probation
  • place on probation
  • probation period

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Probation comes from Latin 'probare' meaning 'to test, prove, or examine'. In ancient Rome, 'probatio' referred to a trial or examination. The word passed into Old French as 'probacion' and entered English in the 1400s, originally carrying the general sense of 'testing' or 'trial'. By the 1800s, it had taken on the specific legal meaning of a suspended prison sentence during which an offender's behaviour is tested. The employment and academic senses followed later, preserving the core idea of a period in which a person must prove themselves.