Hearts and Motherwell both missed out on the Scottish Premiership top six after a poor goalless draw at Fir Park.
Both teams came into the game with aspirations of a top-half finish and Hearts knew victory would guarantee them the final place.
However, the pressure led to a game starved of chances, with Hearts substitute Lawrence Shankland coming closest to breaking the deadlock towards the end with an effort that was cleared off the line.
"It's a hugely disappointing day, we didn't do enough to win the game," said Hearts head coach Neil Critchley.
"Under normal circumstances, a point and a clean sheet away from home isn't that bad but today it's not what we came here for."
The first half was high on effort but low on quality, the best opportunity falling to Sander Kartum who from 15 yards curled over after Kofi Balmer was caught in possession.
At the other end, Callum Slattery's low drive from a free-kick was deflected wide, then the resulting corner ended up at Tony Watt who could not direct his effort on target.
Critchley brought on Cammy Devlin and striker Shankland at half-time, but Hearts remained sorely lacking in end product.
Shankland had a header saved before he blazed over from just inside the box with 20 minutes to play.
Hearts began take control and Shankland's effort was cleared off the line and Jorge Grant thrashed the follow-up over.
Michael Wimmer's side had a great opportunity to win it late on, but Dan Casey headed over from a corner.
There was time for one more huge chance for Shankland, but he dragged his shot wide when clean through.