考查近义动词的语义辨析。各选项的意思及用法分别是：选项A)lessening减少，减轻，侧重指程度、重要性等的减轻。如：The defeat lessened our chances of winning the championship. 此次失败使我们夺冠的希望变得更加渺茫。lessen the burden of减轻负担;选项B)shortening缩短，变短，如The days are beginning to shorten. 天开始变短了。shorten the gap between 缩小……之间的差距;选项C)shrinking 使收缩，缩小，减少，侧重指尺寸、大小等的变小。如：The number of students attending the lecture has shrunk. 听讲座的学生人数减少了。Will this soap shrink woolen clothes? 这种肥皂会使羊毛衣服缩水吗?选项D)withdrawing收回，撤退，撤销，如：After awhile, he withdrew his proposal. 过了一会儿，他撤回了他的提议。根据题意可判断出选项C应为正确答案。全句意思是“面对通货膨胀和日益缩小的国际国内市场，许多公司都已宜布破产”。