What is the definition of unstructured data?

Unstructured data refers to information that does not follow a predefined format or structure, making it difficult to categorize, label, or organize. This type of data includes things like text documents, images, audio files, and videos, where the content may not fit neatly into conventional database tables or schemas. The lack of a clear, consistent format means that processing and analyzing unstructured data often require more sophisticated techniques, such as natural language processing or machine learning.

In contrast, other types of data, such as structured and semi-structured data, comply with specific formats or schemas, making them easier to store and analyze. While structured data, such as database entries, is organized in a manner that allows for easy retrieval and interpretation, unstructured data's lack of organization presents unique challenges and opportunities in data analysis and information extraction.