Addicks striker Jayden Stockley scored the game’s only goal when he headed home Jonathan Leko’s cross in the 66th minute, and the Black Cats were unable to respond.
Lee Johnson’s side did have a late appeal for a penalty turned down when Ross Stewart’s effort hit the arm of defender Jason Pearce from close range.
The result means Sunderland have dropped back out of the automatic promotion places, although they do still have games in hand on most of the teams around them.
Johnson must now pick his side up for Tuesday's Carabao Cup game at QPR, before a trip to Rotherham in League One next weekend.
Our chief SAFC writer Phil Smith has delivered his verdict on how each player fared at the Stadium of Light against Charlton:
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5. Dennis Cirkin - 5
Very unlucky that an excellent effort early in the second half struck the crossbar. Got forward well, but had a tricky afternoon against the lively Jonathan Leko down his flank. 5 Photo: JPI Media
6. Luke O’Nien - 4
Probably lucky Stockley’s header dropped in or he could have been facing a red card for handball. Couldn’t produce enough quality in possession, particularly in the second half when Sunderland were poor. 4 Photo: Frank Reid
7. Dan Neil - 5
One or two really dangerous runs but like so many of his team-mates just lacked that touch of composure we have become used to seeing in the crucial moment. Part of a midfield that struggled in the second half. 5 Photo: JPI Media
8. Aiden McGeady - 4
Played one stunning crossfield pass for Dajaku that almost yielded an equaliser, but otherwise fell well short of his usual quality. Was one of many and is playing through the pain barrier this week. 4 Photo: JPI Media