probation
n. uncountablen. a period of time when you are tested to see if you are suitable for a job or if you can follow the rules after being in trouble with the law. During this time, you must behave well to stay in your position or stay out of prison.
n. a trial period for a newly hired employee to evaluate their suitability for a role, or a legal arrangement allowing an offender to remain in the community under supervision instead of serving a prison sentence.
She is currently on a three-month probation at her new job.
The judge sentenced the first-time offender to two years of probation, requiring him to meet weekly with a supervisor.
While the initial probation period was intended to assess technical competency, the manager also used the time to observe how well the candidate integrated into the existing team culture.
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.
Commonly used with the preposition 'on' ('on probation').