Donegal's record at MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey going back to 2010 was ended by Monaghan, who keep their Division One survival hopes alive.
The Farney men did the damage in the opening half, which they dominated against the breeze and the only goal of the game by Andrew Woods proved to be a big score.
Both sides are now on five league points and there will be nervous moments for both counties with two games left to play.
Donegal had the breeze in the first half but it was Monaghan who had the momentum from early on. They were three points to the good after eight minutes with two Conor McManus frees and one from play from Conor McCarthy,
Aaron Doherty won a free for Patrick McBrearty to get Donegal on the board but on 11 minutes Monaghan struck for a goal when Andrew Woods rose highest to win in front of goal and fire past Shaun Patton.
Dessie Ward added a point with Donegal struggling to make any impact apart from another McBrearty free, and by the 30th minute Rory Beggan and Conor McManus had stretched the Monaghan lead to 1-6 to 0-2.
Donegal did put in a greater effort in the final minutes of the half with the introduction of Michael Murphy and he got their third point. They had claims for a penalty a minute from the break when Odhrán McFadden Ferry was hauled down but referee Sean Hurson ruled it just outside.
Patrick McBrearty pointed but it was Monaghan who had the final say of the half, Andrew Woods pointing a free with their last attack to leave it Monaghan 1-7, Donegal 0-4 at the break.
Monaghan were almost in for a second goal at the start of the second half but it was Donegal who were more energised and three points from McBrearty, Aaron Doherty and a Jason McGee forward mark cut the lead to three.
Monaghan hit three
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