probation

/ˌpɹə(ʊ)ˈbeɪʃən/

probation · noun — A period of time when a person occupies a position only conditionally and may be removed if certain conditions are not met.

Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).

probation is pronounced /ˌpɹə(ʊ)ˈbeɪʃən/.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English probacioun, from Middle French probation, from Old French probacion, from Latin probatio (“a trying, inspection, examination”), from probare, past participle probatus (“to test, examine”); see probate, probe, prove.

noun

A period of time when a person occupies a position only conditionally and may be removed if certain conditions are not met.e.g.“You'll be on probation for first six months. After that, if you work out, they'll hire you permanently.”
A type of sentence where convicted criminals are permitted to continue living in a community but will automatically be sent to jail if they violate certain conditions.e.g.“He got two years probation for robbery.”
A testing period of time.
The act of testing; proof.

Definitions & examples from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).