かねない (kanenai): Might; could unfortunately

Might; could unfortunately

V stem + かねない
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.

Predicts an undesirable possibility; distinguish かねる expressing difficulty or inability to comply.

そんな態度では、うそをつきかねない。

With that attitude, someone might well tell a lie.

そんな態度では、秘密を漏らしかねない。

With that attitude, someone might well reveal the secret.

そんな態度では、約束を破りかねない。

With that attitude, someone might well break a promise.

そんな態度では、仲間を裏切りかねない。

With that attitude, someone might well betray one's teammates.

そんな態度では、責任を放棄しかねない。

With that attitude, someone might well abandon one's responsibilities.