Learn
Watch & LearnLearning Paths
English for Daily LifeEnglish for Social ConnectionEnglish for WorkVOA English
Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Understand the acronym for local opposition and distinguish a label from the reasons behind a concern.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptNIMBY is short for “Not In My Backyard.” It describes opposition to a development or facility when people do not want it in their own neighborhood. “NIMBYism” names that attitude or pattern of opposition. The episode also shows that residents may have concrete reasons—such as traffic, cost, noise, or location—so the label alone does not settle whether an objection is fair.
Cultural note: NIMBY is often used critically, suggesting people support a project in principle but reject it near their own homes. It can also oversimplify a debate: ask what impacts residents expect and compare locations using consistent criteria before dismissing their concerns as selfish.
Keep exploringThe acronym sounds like a quick judgment. In real community debates, the useful next question is what evidence supports each side’s concerns.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Use the acronym for resistance to a project in one’s own area.
Meaning
An acronym for “Not In My Backyard,” used for opposition to something considered undesirable in one’s own neighborhood.
Tone & use
Often functions as a critical label in public-policy debates. Explain the project and context when first using it.
Example
“Some residents welcomed the shelter but opposed placing it beside the elementary school; the council debated whether that was a NIMBY response.”
Meaning
The attitude or practice of opposing a development mainly because it is near one’s own community.
Tone & use
A critical noun used in planning and political discussion; do not assume every local objection is NIMBYism.
Example
“The article examined whether the opposition reflected NIMBYism or a genuine concern about truck traffic.”
Meaning
Near where I live or in my local area; figuratively, close to one’s own interests.
Tone & use
The phrase need not refer to a literal yard. It often appears in discussions of neighborhood effects.
Example
“People supported more public transit but disagreed about adding a bus depot in their backyard.”
Discuss traffic, noise, cost, and other concrete effects.
Meaning
Bring a possible problem or objection to people’s attention.
Tone & use
A neutral, constructive alternative when explaining a specific issue without labeling people.
Example
“Residents raised a concern about delivery trucks using the narrow residential street.”
Talk about how a community evaluates where a facility belongs.
Meaning
Consider the benefits and disadvantages of different choices.
Tone & use
Useful in planning discussions where no option is perfect.
Example
“Before choosing a site, the council weighed the trade-offs between travel time and noise.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
1 of 3
