NIMBY

or Nim·by

[ nim-bee ]

abbreviation for

1. not in my backyard: used to express opposition by local citizens to the locating in their neighborhood of a civic project, such as a jail, garbage dump, or drug rehabilitation center, that, though needed by the larger community, is considered unsightly, dangerous, or likely to lead to decreased property values. Compare YIMBY ( def ).

NIMBY

/ ˈnɪmbɪ /

acronym for

1. not in my back yard: a person who objects to the occurrence of something if it will affect him or her or take place in his or her locality

NIMBY

1. Acronym for “ N ot I n M y B ack Y ard.” A term for a person who resists unwanted development, such as manufacturing plants, prisons, power companies, or chemical companies in his or her own neighborhood or town.

Other Words From

• Nim·by·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of NIMBY¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

“Ladera Heights is not just any neighborhood; it holds the distinction of being the 3rd most affluent African American community in the nation,” Bradford wrote, channeling her inner NIMBY.

From Los Angeles Times

They also show how a regional economy can get a boost when politicians are able to temper opposition to new building, sometimes part of the “not in my backyard,” or NIMBY, movement.

From Seattle Times

Ford officials have run up against resistance to its plans, however, in the latest iteration of a phenomenon known as NIMBY, which stands for "Not In My Back Yard."

From Reuters

Ms Hilton, now the Green group leader on Hastings Borough Council, bristles at the suggestion of the "NIMBY argument" in these circumstances.

From BBC

The group’s name is a play on NIMBY, or Not in My Back Yard, the acronym used to describe residents who object to new housing or other development where they live.

From Seattle Times