Substitute Marley Watkins' injury-time equaliser earned Kilmarnock a dramatic point after Amar Fatah's sensational strike seemed to have led Dundee United to back-to-back Scottish Premiership wins for the first time this season.
Kilmarnock were almost immediately reduced to 10 players after scoring as substitute Jack Thomson took out Fatah, who was racing clear in a thrilling finish at Tannadice.
Jim Goodwin's side missed the chance to narrow the gap on sixth-place Falkirk to eight points with two games in hand as their chase for a top-half finish continues to frustrate.
For Kilmarnock, it is a massive positive after a creditable display as they move nine clear of Livingston at the bottom having played one match more.
On a poor surface, lashed with rain throughout, United started brightly and Luca Stephenson cut back for Panutche Camara but his first-time effort from an angle clipped the crossbar.
The home side threatened again and looked to have got their reward when Will Ferry was caught by Brad Lyons. Fatah took responsibility but his penalty wasn't directed far enough into the corner and Kelle Roos did well to save.
Kilmarnock claimed a penalty after the break when Findlay Curtis went down under Iurie Iovu's challenge, with the ball clearly striking the defender's arm in the process. Referee John Beaton was not called to review, to the Ayrshire side's clear frustration.
From there, United looked the more likely to score. Vicko Sevelj saw one cleared off the line and Stephenson had a shot from distance well saved.
The opener was outstanding as Fatah cut inside and curled a sublime shot in off the post.
Ethan Brown was close to an equaliser before Watkins got the perfect flick with his head to find the far corner and earn what may prove a big point in Kilmarnock's campaign.
