Probation A sentence whereby a convict is released from confinement but is still under court supervision; a testing or a trial period. Probation can be given in lieu of a prison term or can suspend a prison sentence if the convict has consistently demonstrated good behavior. The status of a convicted person who is given some freedom on the condition that for a specified period he or she act in a manner approved by a special officer to whom the person must report. An initial period of ... Probation serves as an important stage when the employer and the employee establish whether a particular duty is suitable for each other. Essentially, it is a probationary period during which the productivity of a new hire and his/her suitability for an organisation’s culture is assessed. The meaning of PROBATION is critical examination and evaluation or subjection to such examination and evaluation. How to use probation in a sentence. Meaning of Probation Probation in law means a system that allows a person who committed a crime not to go to prison if they behave well and regularly see an officer (called a Probation Officer) for a fixed period. Probation defines to be a period during which you must behave well or do good work. Probation is the suspension of the convicted offender's sentence, allowing him freedom subject to regular supervision by a Probation Officer. Probation is a reformative measure and its object is to ...