probational

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   relating to a trial period during which someone's suitability, behavior, or performance is watched before a final decision is made

   Grammar: Usually comes before a noun: a probational period, probational status. It is not used after a verb like be probational in everyday English.

   Patterns

   • a probational period
   • probational status
   • on probational leave

   New hires are placed on a probational period of six months before they receive a permanent contract.

   During his probational year, the junior doctor was assessed every month by a senior consultant.

   The committee recommended that the officer remain in a probational role until the investigation was complete.

2. 2adjectivebefore a nounlegalformal

   relating to a period of supervision imposed on an offender instead of, or after, a prison sentence

   Grammar: Used mainly in legal and formal writing before a noun: a probational sentence, probational conditions. The everyday legal term is usually probationary or probation.

   Patterns

   • a probational sentence
   • probational conditions
   • probational supervision

   The judge gave him a probational sentence of eighteen months, with regular meetings with a probation officer.

   She breached the probational conditions by failing to report to her supervisor.

   Probational supervision is meant to help offenders return to normal life while protecting the public.

Common combinations

probational period

The probational period for new employees is three months.

probational status

After the review, she was moved from probational status to a full contract.

probational employee

Probational employees receive the same training as permanent staff.

probational leave

He was placed on probational leave while the complaint was investigated.

probational sentence

A probational sentence can be revoked if the offender commits another crime.

Synonyms and how they differ

probationary

This is the more common and more standard word for the same meaning, especially in employment and law.

trial

Trial is broader and can describe any test period, while probational is mostly limited to jobs and legal supervision.

temporary

Temporary simply means lasting a short time; probational adds the idea of being judged or evaluated during that time.

Opposites

Word family

probation noun

a period of testing or supervision, especially for a new employee or an offender

probationary adjective

the usual adjective form meaning the same as probational

probationer noun

a person who is on probation, such as a new nurse or a young offender

probate noun

the legal process of proving a will; related in spelling but not in meaning

Commonly confused: probational or probationary? probational or probate?

Practice

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