Question

scarce
the country relied on its scarce oil supply to sustain its economy.
the army’s ill - conceived coats were a bright scarce that was easy to spot.
the organization refused to identify the scarce of the anonymous donation.
when berries and fish are scarce, bears tend to approach campsites.
rubies and other precious gems are scarce minerals.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the meaning of "scarce" (limited in quantity; not abundant) and check each sentence:

1. "The country relied on its scarce oil supply to sustain its economy." – "Scarce" describes oil supply (limited), correct usage.
2. "The army’s ill - conceived coats were a bright scarce that was easy to spot." – "Scarce" is an adjective, but here it’s used as a noun (wrong usage, should be "scar" or similar if a noun was intended).
3. "The organization refused to identify the scarce of the anonymous donation." – "Scarce" is an adjective, used as a noun (wrong, should be "source" or similar).
4. "When berries and fish are scarce, bears tend to approach campsites." – "Scarce" describes berries and fish (limited), correct usage.
5. "Rubies and other precious gems are scarce minerals." – "Scarce" describes minerals (limited), correct usage.

Answer:

• The country relied on its scarce oil supply to sustain its economy.
• When berries and fish are scarce, bears tend to approach campsites.
• Rubies and other precious gems are scarce minerals.