English · Word Candidate

probation

/ˌpɹə(ʊ)ˈbeɪʃən/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: probations

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A period of time when a person occupies a position only conditionally and may be removed if certain conditions are not met.

Noun

Examples

You'll be on probation for first six months. After that, if you work out, they'll hire you permanently.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A type of sentence where convicted criminals are permitted to continue living in a community but will automatically be sent to jail if they violate certain conditions.

Noun

Examples

He got two years probation for robbery.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “probation” mean?

A period of time when a person occupies a position only conditionally and may be removed if certain conditions are not met.

Is “probation” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.