probationary

[ proh-bey-shuh-ner-ee ]

adjective

1. being or relating to an act, process, or period of testing, as of a person’s character, performance, qualifications, etc.:

   All our new hires have probationary status until their three-month review.

2. Law.
   1. relating to probation, a method of dealing with offenders, especially youth guilty of minor crimes or first offenses, by allowing them to go at large under the supervision of a probation officer:

      The judge’s options include sending the minor to a probationary camp for juvenile offenders.

   2. relating to conditional release:

      Clients who have completed the probationary period are discharged from the program and released from their prison sentence.

3. Education. being or relating to a trial period or condition of students who are being permitted to redeem academic failures, misconduct, etc.:

   Remediation plans for each probationary student must be submitted to the department Chair by midterm.

Other Words From

• un·pro·ba·tion·ar·y un·pro·ba·tion·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of probationary¹

probation ( def ) + -ary ( def )

Example Sentences

Facebook’s latest attempt to slow disinformation means probation for groupsFacebook offers ways to export your own profile data so you have a copy, and even a tool for moving your photos to competing services.

From Washington Post

The company blocked live video and put some group posts on probation, requiring moderator approvals if group members have too many rule violations.

From Washington Post

Apple has since placed its partner on probation and won’t give them new business until corrective action is completed.

From Fortune

In addition to completing probation, in both states, previously convicted felons must pay court-ordered fines or restitution before their right to vote will be restored.

From TruthBeTold.news

Weinstock said the organization remains under disciplinary probation and review.

From Washington Post

The probationary status would be good for six years and could then be renewed after payment of another $500 penalty.

From The Daily Beast

Those granted probationary status would not be eligible for government benefits during the decadelong wait.

From The Daily Beast

And give “probationary legal status” to the 11 million — not on the day the bill is signed but on the day the fence is completed.

From The Daily Beast

They found themselves hinting that he should engage in politics as well, when his probationary years were over.

From Project Gutenberg

Pupils then offered: they were engaged for three years, the first year to be strictly probationary.

From Project Gutenberg

During two years, the congregation at Daventry was supplied by neighbouring ministers and probationary candidates.

From Project Gutenberg

He entered on his probationary services in May, 1848, and was ordained in the month of April in the following year.

From Project Gutenberg

When a prisoner has served his time in irons, he is removed to a probationary gang; that which I am describing is an ironed gang.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• empirical
• preliminary
• unproved