One-dimensional (1D) inorganic semiconductor nanostructures have witnessed an explosion of interest over the last decade because of advances in their controlled synthesis and unique property and potential applications. A wide range of gases, chemicals, biomedical nanosensors, and photodetectors have been assembled using 1D inorganic semiconductor nanostructures. The high-performance characteristics of these nanosensors are particularly attributable to the inorganic semiconducting nanostructure high surface-to-volume ratio (SVR) and its rationally designed surface. In this review, we provide a brief summary of the state-of-the-art research activities in the field of 1D inorganic semiconductor nanostructure-based nanosensors. Some perspectives and the outlook for future developments in this area are presented.