Just days after a battling cup performance against Hearts, Livi produced enough quality and spirit to suggest that the corner may have finally been turned, barely a fortnight after manager Richard Gough seemed certain to be fired.
His opposite number Jim Jefferies has no such worries but after five defeats in their last six outings a top-six finish is now looking less likely.
Despite their manager's undoubted pedigree, Livingston's defence is as shaky as it was when Gough took over, but Kilmarnock failed to punish them in the tenth minute when Simon Ford flashed a free header over the top from skipper Gary Locke's corner.
Most teams would have noted the warning yet Livi were caught cold again a few minute later as Steven Naismith's cross was hammered home at the back post by former Scotland cap Allan Johnston.
In a poor game played in freezing conditions Livingston's best hope of an equaliser appeared to lie with visiting keeper Alan Combe, who had to be bailed out by Ford after missing Burton O'Brien's free-kick.
Combe was again badly at fault when the home side drew level after 36 minutes as another O'Brien set piece was knocked down by Craig Easton and then toe-poked through Combe's legs by Hungarian striker Ferenc Horvath.
A crucial reflex stop from Livi keeper Roddy McKenzie denied Gary McDonald shortly before half-time and another turning point arrived in the 54th minute when Naismith shot narrowly wide at the end of a 50-yard sprint.
Livi's second goal also covered a lot of ground with O'Brien juggling the ball inside his own half before finding teenage substitute Robert Snodgrass who beat his man on the left and whipped in a cross which was scrambled home by full-back David McNamee.
Snodgrass made the game safe for his team with seven minutes left when he beat Combe with a spectacular long-range effort. The shackles were now well and truly off and Colin McMenamin and Snodgrass both missed late chances to add further goals.