かねない

Alternative writings: 兼ねない
Frequency:
1

A suffix attached to the -masu stem of a verb meaning 'might well ...', 'it's not unlikely that ...', often implying a negative or risky outcome.

ExpressionSuffixUsually Kana

Examples

彼はうそをつきかねないので、信用できない。

He might tell a lie, so he can't be trusted.

そのまま放置すれば、重大な事故につながりかねない。

If left as is, it could lead to a serious accident.

無理を続けると体を壊しかねないから、少し休みなさい。

If you keep overdoing it, you could damage your health, so take a break.

渋滞がひどくて、会議に遅れかねないと心配している。

The traffic is so bad that she's worried she might be late for the meeting.