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.
Probation
/ˌpɹoʊˈbeɪʃən/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A period of time when a person occupies a position only conditionally and may be removed if certain conditions are not met.
- Grammar: probation is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: academic warning, acid test, assay, blank determination.
- Useful contrasts: good standing, permanent status, tenure.
- Usage evidence: During the probation period of my friend's new job, each month's salary is 3000 RMB; once the probation period has been fulfilled, each month's salary is 3500 RMB.
How to use "probation"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "probation" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "probation" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "probation" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "probation" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "probation" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "academic warning" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "probation", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A period of time when a person occupies a position only conditionally and may be removed if certain conditions are not met. countable, uncountable
"You'll be on probation for first six months. After that, if you work out, they'll hire you permanently."
- 2 (law) a way of dealing with offenders without imprisoning them; a defendant found guilty of a crime is released by the court without imprisonment subject to conditions imposed by the court wordnet
- 3 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. countable, uncountable
"He got two years probation for robbery."
- 4 a trial period during which an offender has time to redeem himself or herself wordnet
- 5 A testing period of time. countable, uncountable
"A probation of long and shameful years must be gone through; each one with the endurance more bitter, suffering yet more intolerable, before the debtor can arrive at that system of reckless evasion which is the last stage of poverty."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 a trial period during which your character and abilities are tested to see whether you are suitable for work or for membership wordnet
- 7 The act of testing; proof. archaic, countable, uncountable
"And I shall proceed to consider the testimony of Experience, when I shall have first advertis'd You, that if Men were as perfectly rational as 'tis to be wish'd they were, this sensible way of Probation would be as needless as 'tis wont to be imperfect."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"During the probation period of my friend's new job, each month's salary is 3000 RMB; once the probation period has been fulfilled, each month's salary is 3500 RMB."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "probation"?
Common synonyms include: academic warning, acid test, assay, blank determination, brouillon, criterion.
How do you use "probation" in a sentence?
During the probation period of my friend's new job, each month's salary is 3000 RMB; once the probation period has been fulfilled, each month's salary is 3500 RMB.
How do you pronounce "probation"?
Pronounced /ˌpɹoʊˈbeɪʃən/.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English probacioun, from Middle French probation, from Old French probacion, from Latin probatio (“a trying, inspection, examination”), from probare, past participle probatus (“to test, examine”); see probate, probe, prove.