Middlesbrough are still in with a chance of making it seven successive league wins after an even first half ended goalless at the City Ground.
Forest shaded possession early on and came close to opening the scoring through Andy Reid, who managed to shoot wide from inside the penalty area.
Adlene Guedioura drove a pair of long-range efforts at the Boro goal but could not force either strike on target.
Boro's brightest moment came from a shot by Grant Leadbitter which needed a strong block from Greg Halford.
Forest spurned the final chance of the opening period when Billy Sharp drove wide after meeting a cross from Simon Cox.
