probation

Universal Words noun [U] 1 (law) a system that allows a person who has committed a crime not to go to prison if they behave well and if they see an official (called a PROBATIONOFFICER) regularly for a fixed period of time: The prisoner was put on probation. * He was given two years' probation. 2 a time of training and testing when you start a new job to see if you are suitable for the work: a period of probation 3 (AmE) a fixed period of time during which a student who has behaved badly or not worked hard must improve their work or their behaviour probationary adjective: a probationary period * young probationary teachers probationer noun: prisoners and probationers * a young probationer nurse