probationary

Everyday

1. Done or given for a trial time, to see if a person is good enough before they are made permanent. tree →
2. (law) Connected with probation, when someone who broke the law is watched instead of sent to prison. tree →

In the lessons

In adult life a new worker often has a «probationary period» of a few months. A new teacher may be a «probationary teacher». In law, «probationary» links to the probation officer who checks on someone. Phrases: «probationary period», «probationary teacher», «probationary licence».

Examples

• Mum is in her probationary period at her new job. tree →
• Our new teacher is still probationary. tree →
• After a three-month probationary period, he got a permanent contract. tree →
• New drivers in some places have a probationary licence. tree →
• The club gave him probationary membership. tree →
• During the probationary year, nurses are checked often. tree →

Note

Adjective from «probation». Goes before the noun: «a probationary period». Fairly formal. Not «probational».