The Black Cats were beaten 5-1 at the New York Stadium as Aiden McGeady was sent off for the visitors.
Rotherham opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Michael Smith headed home Freddie Ladapo’s cross.
Sunderland managed to draw level before half-time, though, when Ross Stewart produced a neat finish from inside the area.
But it was all downhill from there for the visitors, as Freddie Ladapo made it 2-1 before half-time.
McGeady was sent off shortly after the interval, before Smith and Ladapo both added another goal each to their names, while defender Michael Ihiekwe also got on the scoresheet.
Sunderland will hope to bounce back when they travel to Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday.
Our chief Sunderland writer Phil Smith has delivered his verdict on how each player fared at the New York Stadium:
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5. Dennis Cirkin - 4
Didn’t get much assistance, particularly after McGeady’s red, but Ogbene was utterly dominant down the right. Another who struggled with the physicality of the game. A major learning curve for a player still so young. 4 Photo: JPI Media
6. Luke O’Nien - 3
Just couldn’t produce enough composure in possession and gave it away far too often. Took a yellow card for a late challenge and was unsurprisingly replaced at the break. Well short of his best. 3 Photo: Frank Reid
7. Dan Neil - 5
Produced a good assist for Ross Stewart’s goal and did show some good touches. Nowhere near enough composure around him. 5 Photo: JPI Media
8. Leon Dajaku - 4
Made some dangerous runs but couldn’t give his full backs anywhere near enough protection through a first half in which Sunderland were exposed too often. Couldn’t find his composure in the couple of moments he had a chance to get sight of goal. 4 Photo: JPI Media