NoSQL databases typically store unstructured or semi-structured data, allowing for flexibility in handling diverse data types such as documents, key-value pairs, graphs, or columns. This is particularly useful for applications that require fast retrieval and scalability, like big data analytics or real-time web applications. Unlike traditional relational databases, NoSQL databases do not require a fixed schema, making them well-suited for evolving data needs and varying data formats, enabling efficient storage and retrieval of large volumes of information.