ZnO and ZnS, well-known direct bandgap II-VI semiconductors, are promising materials for photonic, optical, and electronic devices. Nanostructured materials have lent a leading edge to the next generation technology due to their distinguished performance and efficiency for device fabrication. As two of the most suitable materials with size- and dimensionality-dependent functional properties, wide bandgap semiconducting ZnO and ZnS nanostructures have attracted particular attention in recent years. For example, both materials have been assembled into nanometer-scale visible-light-blind ultraviolet (UV) light sensors with high sensitivity and selectivity, in addition to other applications such as field emitters and lasers. Their high-performance characteristics are particularly due to the high surface-to-volume ratios (SVR) and rationally designed surfaces. This article provides a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art research activities in ZnO and ZnS nanostructures, including their syntheses and potential applications, with an emphasis on one-dimensional (1D) ZnO and ZnS nanostructure-based UV light emissions, lasers, and sensors. We begin with a survey of nanostructures, fundamental properties of ZnO and ZnS, and UV radiation-based applications. This is followed by detailed discussions on the recent progress of their synthesis, UV light emissions, lasers, and sensors. Additionally, developments of ZnS/ZnO composite nanostructures, including core/shell and heterostructures, are discussed and their novel optical properties are reviewed. Finally, we conclude this review with the perspectives and outlook on the future developments in this area. This review explores the possible influences of research breakthroughs of ZnO and ZnS nanostructures on the current and future applications for UV light-based lasers and sensors.