probation
A period of time where a person who has broken the law is allowed to stay in the community instead of going to prison, under supervision. It also refers to a trial period for a new employee to see if they are suitable for a job.
Examples
3 of 5He has to meet his officer every week because he is on probation.
He has to meet his officer every week because he is on probation.
The court decided to grant the defendant two years of probation.
The court decided to grant the defendant two years of probation.
I'm still on probation at work, so I need to be careful not to be late.
I'm still on probation at work, so I need to be careful not to be late.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'probe' (to test). Probation is a time when the court or a boss 'probes' your behavior to see if you are doing a good job.
Quick Quiz
The new employee is still on ______ for another month before she gets a full contract.
Correct!
The correct answer is: probation
Examples
He has to meet his officer every week because he is on probation.
everydayHe has to meet his officer every week because he is on probation.
The court decided to grant the defendant two years of probation.
formalThe court decided to grant the defendant two years of probation.
I'm still on probation at work, so I need to be careful not to be late.
informalI'm still on probation at work, so I need to be careful not to be late.
The effectiveness of probation as an alternative to incarceration is widely debated.
academicThe effectiveness of probation as an alternative to incarceration is widely debated.
Upon successful completion of the probation period, her contract will become permanent.
businessUpon successful completion of the probation period, her contract will become permanent.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
on probation
on probation
probation period
probation period
serve probation
serve probation
Often Confused With
Probation is usually a sentence served instead of prison, while parole is early release from prison.
Usage Notes
In a legal context, 'probation' describes a sentence under supervision. In a workplace, it describes the first few months of a new job.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'in' instead of 'on'. You are 'on probation', not 'in probation'.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'probe' (to test). Probation is a time when the court or a boss 'probes' your behavior to see if you are doing a good job.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'probatio', meaning a trial, inspection, or testing.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western legal systems, probation is a common way to handle first-time or non-violent offenders to prevent prison overcrowding.
Quick Quiz
The new employee is still on ______ for another month before she gets a full contract.
Correct!
The correct answer is: probation
Related Vocabulary
A formal process in a court of law to decide if someone is g...
paroleParole is the permission given to a prisoner to leave prison...
judgeA judge is a person who works in a court of law and makes of...
sentenceA sentence is a punishment given by a judge to someone who h...
courtA court is a flat, rectangular area marked with lines for pl...
More law words
prosecutor
A1A prosecutor is a lawyer who works for the government. Their job is to show a court that someone has committed a crime.
defendant
A1A defendant is a person or organization that is being accused of a crime or is being sued in a court of law. This person is required to answer the legal charges brought against them by another party.
plaintiff
A1A person or group who brings a legal case against another in a court of law. They are the ones starting the lawsuit because they believe they have been wronged.
jury
A1A group of ordinary people chosen to listen to the facts of a trial in a court of law. They listen to the evidence and decide if a person is guilty or not guilty.
lawsuit
A1A lawsuit is a legal case where one person or group brings a disagreement to a court of law for a judge to decide. It usually happens when someone wants money or a specific action from another person because of a problem or injury.
proof
A1Proof is a fact or a piece of information that shows something is true. In a legal context, it is what a person uses to convince a judge or jury that a crime happened.
misdemeanor
A1A misdemeanor is a minor crime that is less serious than a felony. It is usually punished by a fine or a short period of time in a local jail rather than a state prison.
sentence
A1A sentence is a punishment given by a judge to someone who has been found guilty of a crime. It explains how much time a person must spend in prison or how much money they must pay as a fine.
bail
A1Bail is a sum of money paid to a court so that a person who has been accused of a crime can stay out of jail until their trial starts. If the person shows up for their court date, the money is usually returned.
fraud
A1Fraud is the illegal act of tricking someone to get their money or property. It is a crime where a person lies or hides the truth to gain an unfair advantage.
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