expression
can occur; possible to happen
Expresses that an event or situation has the potential to happen. Often used in discussions of risks, possibilities, or hypothetical scenarios.
このままでは事故が起こり得る。
At this rate, an accident could occur.
どんな問題が起こり得るか考えておく必要がある。
We need to think about what kinds of problems could arise.
起こり得る (おこりうる) is the more traditional form using the classical 終止形 of 得る, while 起こりえる uses the modern potential form. Both are acceptable, but 起こり得る is slightly more formal.
Compound of the verb 起こる (to occur) in its continuative form 起こり and the auxiliary verb 得る (to be able to), meaning 'can occur'.