A condition in which something refers to the problem of allocation of scarce resources between their alternative uses is___________.

The condition described in your question refers to "opportunity cost." Opportunity cost is the concept in economics that relates to the trade-offs faced when making decisions about resource allocation. It highlights the value of the next best alternative that must be forgone when one choice is made over another. For example, if a farmer decides to grow wheat instead of corn, the opportunity cost is the profit that could have been earned from corn. This concept is crucial in understanding scarcity, as resources such as time, money, and materials are limited and can be used in various ways. Opportunity cost helps to evaluate the true cost of decisions, guiding individuals and businesses in making informed choices to optimize resource allocation.