The Millers were not outplayed, but were unable to create anything of note and are now six points away from safety with 13 games to play.
Here's how the players rated at the Madejski Stadium, with a chance for those there to add their own.
Lee Camp 6 - A quiet evening for the Millers stopper, who was not forced into another save apart from Hal Robson-Kanu's goal.
Frazer Richardson 6 - Defended keenly but was poor in attack, wasting several chances to get the ball into the box.
Kirk Broadfoot 7 - Back to his domineering best, kept the Reading strikers quiet with his strength and power.
Joe Mattock 6 - Back in the side after his suspension, Mattock was solid at the back but could not provide any threat going forward.
Greg Halford 6 - His third appearance since his reintegration and his third different position. Let the crowd affect him in the first half but did okay.
Richie Smallwood 6 - Should have had a penalty in the first half but did not look like the player that has been so vital to Rotherham.
Paul Green 5 - Unfortunately it was his error that led to Reading's goal as he was caught in possession on the edge of the area.
Joe Newell 6 - Tried to get on the ball and create things but had little impact.
Grant Ward 6 - Back in the team as a number 10, he was the Millers' best outlet but lacked quality.
Jonson Clarke-Harris 4 - A non-entity in attack, was unable to offer any presence in the lone striking role.
Leon Best 4 - Was unable to make an impact when he came on late on.
Jerome Thomas 4 - A lack of fitness showed as the recent signing offered little.
Matt Derbyshire 4 - Unable to make an impact after coming on as a late sub.
Agree with these ratings? Why not add your own in.
