NIMBY

noun

ˈnim-bē How to pronounce NIMBY (audio)
: opposition to the locating of something considered undesirable (such as a prison or incinerator) in one's neighborhood
NIMBYism
ˈnim-bē-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce NIMBY (audio)
noun

Examples of NIMBY in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is all, of course, straight from the classic NIMBY playbook. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 7 Apr. 2026 These aren’t just NIMBY complaints—not in the pejorative sense, at least. — IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026 And so there's a correlation between age, what's called NIMBY-ism, and the obstruction of new housing. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 16 June 2026 Some reading this may call it NIMBY-ism (Not In My Back Yard), even if the residents have some legit concerns. — Elizabeth Keifer, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for NIMBY

Word History

Etymology

not in my backyard

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of NIMBY was in 1980

Browse Nearby Words

nimbused
NIMBY
Nîmes
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“NIMBY.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/NIMBY. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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