The Reds dominated possession in Sunday's game and enjoyed the majority of the chances, including hitting the woodwork in first half injury time, but failed to find the net.
Brisbane snatched the matchwinner against the run of play with 12 minutes left, extending United's winless run to seven matches.
Clear opportunities were few and far between in the first half, with the Reds carving out a couple of half chances.
After 21 minutes, Chelsie Dawber latched onto a pass which Jenna McCormick clipped over the Roar defence, but her effort was saved by Brisbane keeper Hensley Hancuff.
Emilia Murray was next to try her luck on 33 minutes, receiving the ball inside the penalty area and shooting on the turn, but her shot was blocked.
Minutes later, Adelaide had a glorious chance to break the deadlock. Nano Sasaki slipped through Dawber and with just Hancuff to beat fired low and hard, but the Roar shot-stopper was equal to the task and saved well.
Brisbane fashioned a good chance just before the break when Katrina Gorry crossed to the back post for Shae Connors, but her header was tame and an easy collect for Annalee Grove.
United's best chance came in first half stoppage time when Sasaki delivered a perfect cross from a free kick on the left wing. Maruschka Waldus rose highest and powered her header towards goal, only for it to bounce off the crossbar and away.
The home side emerged from the restart again looking the most likely to find the net.
On the hour, the Reds had claims for a penalty when Dawber put through Murray and the young attacker burst through the penalty area before tangling with Jamilla Rankin, but referee Bec Mackie waved play on.
Finally, Brisbane broke the deadlock after 78 minutes from a set piece. Hollie Palmer whipped in a free kick from the right flank which Adelaide failed to clear, the ball bounced up and Roar defender Jessie Rasschaert lunged forward, looping a header over Grove.
The Reds pushed for an equaliser and McCormick brought out the best in Hancuff, forcing a stunning save with a 25-metre rocket destined for the top corner.
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