probationary period

Meaning

A trial period at the start of a new job (usually three to six months) during which an employee's performance, skills, and conduct are evaluated. During this time, the employer can assess if the worker is a good fit, and either party can typically terminate the contract with shorter notice.

Examples

• All new hires must successfully complete a three-month probationary period before receiving full benefits.

  All new hires must successfully complete a three-month probationary period before receiving full benefits.

• Her probationary period was extended by another month so the manager could further assess her technical skills.

  Her probationary period was extended by another month so the manager could further assess her technical skills.

• During your probationary period, you will have bi-weekly check-ins with your team lead.

  During your probationary period, you will have bi-weekly check-ins with your team lead.

• Unfortunately, he was let go just before his probationary period ended.

  Unfortunately, he was let go just before his probationary period ended.

• The contract specifies that either party can terminate employment with one week's notice during the probationary period.

  The contract specifies that either party can terminate employment with one week's notice during the probationary period.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I am currently in my probation period time.

  ✓ I am currently on my probationary period.

  Adding 'time' is redundant because 'period' already denotes time. The standard professional adjective to use here is 'probationary' rather than 'probation', and the preposition is typically 'on' or 'in'.

• ✗ She did not pass her probationer period.

  ✓ She did not pass her probationary period.

  A 'probationer' is the noun for the person who is undergoing the trial. To describe the period itself, you must use the adjective 'probationary'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• New employees do not qualify for paid time off during their ___.

  💡 The initial trial phase of a job.

  Show answer

  probationary period

• After completing her three-month ___, she was offered a permanent contract.

  💡 The trial timeframe at the start of employment.

  Show answer

  probationary period