But they pulled out of the relegation zone thanks to a 2-0 win over the Millers at the City Ground.
They took the lead when visiting keeper Neil Cutler felled the recalled Jack Lester in the area, and the former Grimsby forward dusted himself off to score the spot kick.
Rotherham's hapless keeper was left equally stranded when Forest got their clinching second goal two minutes from time.
Kris Commons sent over a deep in-swinging cross from the right that eluded everyone in the box and flew over Cutler's head and into the net.
Assistant manager Frank Barlow said: "The players showed a lot of courage and resolve to tackle the situation we have been in of late, and got their rewards.
"The players deserve credit for displaying the character that got us the victory and the points, and I was also delighted for our supporters.
"Despite the problems we have had they have stayed very loyal to us - and although they made their feelings known after we lost at Barnsley a week ago we totally understood their frustrations.
"But they have stuck by us and I hope they are a lot happier about things after this win."