Definition of "nimby" in English

phrase

1. (chiefly US, UK) Not in my backyard (in objection to an undesirable structure built locally).

noun

1. (usually derogatory) Someone who objects to the building of an undesirable structure in their neighborhood, especially in public policy debate.

   • politically correct green (as in vegetation) nimbies (may object to nuclear power plants, polluting factories, etc.)
   • socially conservative brown (as in shirts) nimbies (may object to the building of jails, prisons, housing for ex-convicts, drinking or adult entertainment establishments)
   • fiscally conservative green (as in money) nimbies (may object to the building of anything which may decrease preexisting property values)

adjective

1. Not wanting to have to deal with unpleasant or distasteful things near them.

   • Their vote against measures to help refugees has been perceived by the socially conscious margin of society as a typically nimby attitude.